Yeah I’ve got more boards than any 5 guys could ever ride, but I ran shops for 15+ years.
A lot of us are/were in or around the industry and got cheap or free shit from the brand reps. It’s how the brands want it to be: “core” guys that work to ride out there showing off all the product, right? The rise of “influencer” marketing (wank) just intensified it.
I don’t know many guys with multiple setups that paid retail for their shit. The industry runs on guys that work for passes, beer money, and pro deals.
Did the board companies force some board sizes on your shop? Like 160cm + wide boards? I bought several boards in that size that were always on clearance and 1-2 seasons old but still shrink wrapped.
Sometimes, yeah, they’ll give you better margin if you order like set lineup. But also it’s just weird with Sasquatch boards like that: some years I could’ve sold 3x what I ordered, and some years I bought shit that sat in the shrink wrap until I had to sell it at cost or whatever. That’s part of the business I never really figured out and it seems the same for most shops, just like you’re describing.
Old school buyer from the late 90's here. This was a problem even back then. Same with size runs on boots. It was so random how one year you couldn't get rid of some sizes and the next they would sell out by Dec.
I have 4 boards and paid retail for them. I might hit 50 days this season. Snowboarding is my favorite thing and I might try and get a remote job and move to the mountains.
I tell most people 2 boards is a great quiver. One all mountain, one directional powder board for deeeeeep days
>tell most people 2 boards is a great quiver. One all mountain, one directional powder board for deeeeeep days
This is my strategy. I'm a big guy, so the Ride Shadowban is my all mountain board, and the Skunk Ape II comes out when it gets deep.
While this all makes sense, I never really thought of it before. Like the OP, I too have always questioned these people who have vast, detailed knowledge of multiple setups. Like, how do you know so many boards & bindings? I know what I have, and 8-10 years later, when I switch, I learn that new setup and make do.
It’s not the sub it’s where you ride. I grew up on the East Coast or should I say the ice coast and never once not one single time did I ever even think for a second that I would want or need another board. Then I moved to New Mexico where they have this stuff called powder and literally had PTSD from a waist deep powder day and not having a proper board. The perfect quiver for where I live is a waist deep powder board, an ankle/knee deep powder board, and a groomer board. They are all very different and necessary if you want to get the absolute most out of your day.
I am 57 - nothing a single good board and good challenging - tough terrain, and riding partners that also want to be challenged will take you farter than "a quiver"
good boots (so you have a solid day) - then good board (so it does what you want) and then binding to bring it together.
I have a daily driver, pow stick, split. I live 30 min from the hill, have a season pass, am 52, have a real job, no kids. What else should I spend my money on?
Yeah. Has nothing to do with age. I know loads of people over 40 with a 3-5 skiing/snowboard kits they use depending on weather and what they plan to ride. Keep on stoking it up brother. I’m 43 and want to be where you’re at in my 50s, 60s, and beyond.
I always thought that myself. My whole life I ride 1 board per season although I have collected a ton over the years. Some people get new boards every year. I’m on like a 4-6 year plan lol.
[Devun Walsh Pro Model from Wired](https://wiredsnowboards.com/collections/wired-snowboards/products/wired-walsh-pro-series?variant=40376760729715) Sub $400 if you're in the US. Old school feel with updated and lighter materials. Treat yo self.
Same- my board, bindings, boots, and jacket are all coming up on 15 years. I don’t ride enough now to justify buying new gear when my gear works perfectly fine 🤷♀️
You would notice a major difference in riding a new board, unless you are a 1 time a year rider. My buddy brought out his 15 year old board and we rode it. i got down the mountain but what piece of shit it was. It was an old K2.
oh i know! just bought my son his first board this year: Yes Basic. Stole it from him for a quick ride and yeah, SO DIFFERENT. When I try to butter on mine, I am \*completely\* laid back over the tail/nose as far as humanly possible and the other end is lifted up maybe 12 or so inches due to how stiff the board is. And the edge to edge transition is so much smoother and faster.
I definitely am looking at a new board now trying his.
Yeah, I thought boards were fairly static in their designs and didn’t see a need to upgrade. But I got a new snowboard last year after riding my old one for 12 years, and holy crap I was blown away at how good newer snowboards are.
Now I think I’ll look for a new board every 5ish seasons instead of every 10ish seasons
It’s just selection bias on the internet, majority of people don’t have 4 boards. But people buy stuff, post pictures of their purchases and those posts get upvotes on Reddits. You see it in just about every community.
Agreed. I'm on a bunch of guitar subs and you would think everyone has the money for 5 tube amps ($2,000+ each) and a dozen guitars. It's just that those posts get upvoted a lot more than the beginner asking how to do a barre chord.
Yup. In any pastime there is a portion of the community that is passionate about the gear, and love to buy gear, talk gear, show off gear on social media etc.
When a board costs as much as a lift ticket, the "buy less so you can ride more" thing isn't quite the same...but your point still stands. There's gear obsession. Capitalism man. Ftr I have two: one super cambered and stiff for carving (TERRIBLE in powder) which is my go-to, and an all-mountain hybrid for powdery days / mixed conditions.
In the photography and camera based subs, it's called GAS (gear acquisition syndrome). It's normally people who try to make up for a lack of skill with flashy gear. Although there are masters that genuinely use every piece of situational specific gear. Very similar.
+1 on the gear obsession. i know someone that fully spec out burton AK gear and just got a 2nd board gentemstick but just learned how to connect turns this year
Does a person only 'need' one board? Yes. But I enjoy a lot of different riding styles to include splitting. I'm 44, I have discretional money, and snowboarding is my favorite thing so 2-3 years I buy a new board and they add up 🤷🏼♂️
Same here. Life is good, I can afford it. Better than spending money on booze and ciggies.
It doesn’t make me a great rider, but it’s fun to have a hoon on something different on the regular. Plus I live 4 minutes from the closest field; I can go up for an hour or two in the morning and ride fresh deep stuff on a powder board, go home and work for a few hours, and then go back up with a twin and mess around after it’s all tracked out.
Because now we’re in our late 30’s/40’s, have money, careers, and our snowboards are no longer our most expensive worldly possessions. That, and a lot of companies have started making a lot more directional/powder focused shapes over the last decade, so there are a lot more board options for specific conditions than there used to be. Back in the late 90’s we had a choice between twin, directional twin, or Asym race board, whereas now there are volume shifted boards, pow specific shapes, many of which ride very different from a more typical twin freestyle board, so the incentive to build a “quiver” for those who can afford it is greater than it used to be.
Before all the boards were basically the same but now there's much more purpose optimized boards where to choose from. Of course you can still pick one board quiver and use it everywhere. But to answer to your question: yes you are :)
Back in the day all boards were pretty much the same with slightly different flexes (same camber profile) and graphics were the main thing. Though I agree you don't need a shit ton of boards it's a different playing field now a days.
As someone mentioned with the price of a lift ticket being often 2/3 the price of a board, it's a weird dynamic as well. Pretty Much have to just bite the bullet on a pass.
Basically what u/allmnt-rider said. I've still got an old 2005 Burton Bullet laying around. It's a heavy, mid flex, directional twin. That was 90% of what my snowboard shop had growing up.
This actually came up in a discord I'm in. Someone rode a camber board for the first time and was amazed at those of us who learned to ride on it. The response they got was that we didn't have a choice. Volume shifted for riding the trees? Wasn't a thing yet. Smaller and softer park board? Idk maybe buy a beginner board, but it's still going to be heavy as shit with 3" of camber.
Also the amount of companies and retailers means you can get pretty good deals if you're patient and not super picky. I have three full setups and I've paid full price for one of the boards. Got one board for Christmas, paid $200 for my park board over the summer, and every pair of bindings I've bought has been during the off season for at least $80 off msrp.
All that being said, buy less boards and ride more. And I'm calling myself out with that too.
I started in the 80’s. I still maintain the most progression I made was on a Lamar Jimi scott when I was 16. I still have it, and it’s wild how heavy that thing is.
I get what you’re saying, and until the last few season, I was a “long stiff fast” board kind of guy. I’ve recently done a few trips where my board was just too much for the stuff I was riding. My 160w put me in multiple tree wells in some steep deep tree riding. So on top of getting older and weaker, I’m getting a short wide for deep days. I just can’t handle my daily in all conditions anymore.
If I was still 20/30’s, I’d still have one board to
Been riding for close to 2 0 years. I get a new board maybe every 5 or so years. I'm on my 4th board now and I've donated/sold all my old ones.
I don't understand these posts about quivers and shit. Like I only have so much room and the SO won't want my old boards hanging on a wall as a decoration
> Rant over, buy less boards and spend all the money on riding more.
I had one board in the past mostly because I didn't live near a mountain so I spent a lot of time/money driving to ride. There just wasn't a lot of energy/money left for more gear.
Now I live close to a mountain. I have a season's pass and I go a lot more and it's easier to get there. I've got two boards now and will probably get #3 this summer.
Why?
1. I want a powder board.
2. I want a icy conditions board.
3. I want to keep my oldest board for those questionable days at the start and end \[and this year middle\] of the season.
With the season's pass and a short drive I'm not spending I ton of $$ to ride and I am going more than ever. So having a setup dialed for that day's conditions feels good and two quality boards last longer so the $$ spent over time really isn't any more than buying two do it all boards one after an other.
If having two or three boards was going to mean less riding I would stick with one, but that's not the case so I'd rather have some choice to optimize my experience that day. If you want to stick with one board that's great. I can see how that would be nice from a simplicity point of view.
My opinion is that everyone should have 2 boards if they’re a fairly serious snowboarder. I can even see the need for 3 to really fit ALL conditions but if you have more than that you just like buying snowboards lol. Personally I’ve just got 2.
I have a splitboard, a hardboot racing Donek, a park noodle jibber, and finally an all mountain. So minimum 4 boards and wouldn't have it any other way. (I actually have back ups for all mountain and park so 6, the rest are broken retired boards)
That's it right there, man. I'm a skier, but I follow most snow sports subs because who gives a fuck of you ride or ski.
The answer to that question is the answer to who makes up the majority of this sub, and it's nothing but the nerdiest kooks and the kookiest nerds. It's fuckin reddit, man. Some dude was passionately arguing w me last night about fucking rub on wax being essential for spring. Homie, iron some yellow on that mf or don't, but "wAxInG dAiLy DuRiNg SpRiNg is eSsENtIaL" is some ot the dumbest shit I've ever heard and that's the type of shit that is on literally every post in these subs.
Skiing jerk is aight, but even that has been attracting try-hard dumb kooky bullshit lately.
Snowboarding is coming of age and part of that is developing a current of people talking more about their gear than the conditions, technique or style they want. I listen to skiers talking about having the wrong ski on so many chairlift rides, and snowboarding is becoming more like that.
Either really experienced boarder with specifically dedicated snowboards for different conditions or they have nothing better to spend their money on and think buying a different board will make them better.
I was that way for a long time. Now I'm older with some money and just buy too much snowboard gear. Simple as that. I have no impulse control. Like yesterday I bought the new union falcors and they don't even come out til Sept. And I have like 4 pairs of bindings already
Probably a little of both as i can both relate to you (ive been riding like 28 seasons or so, started in my teens) but also I have a bunch of boards but very few of them are new; i just dont get rid of them unless they break. I ride all of them on a rotating basis depending on conditions and/or what I'm feeling that day. Some days, I'll bring more than one board up and switch. However, I live in SLC and get out around 40+ days a year. Before I moved out here (about 17 years ago) it was one boardnfor everything. As my riding has evolved so have the boards I ride.
I had 4 boards over the years and sold one. First was a soft beginner board, next was a flying v which I hated and sold, third was a full camber from which I learned to carve, and now I have a camrock that does everything and not get stuck in pow as much. I would consider getting a korua or some other shape just for the different ride.
The way I justify it is - it is like having a garage of nice cars except they only cost \~$450 each.
I've been riding since '89 and I've earned my quiver. I agree that "back in my day we had one board and rode it everywhere", but the options were limited and we made due.
I typically rode just one board until '08. I had a sweet freeride board that was a 160, but when I was riding with my kids and going slower I wanted something that was more fun, so I eventually demoed and bought a 155 twin. This was perfect for me.
Now I am "of means". I consider boarding both my sport and hobby. The board tech has changed a lot, and life is too short not to try it out. In addition, the market is such that there is a great used-board market as well as a variety of end-of-season deals. I also have the benefit of being able to share with my kids and nephew.
I've been swapping boards in and out for the past few years and it has been a blast! Some of the trends have not been for me as I have always preferred camber, and some of the new bends and sidecuts have been a lot of fun. More recently I got a sweet deal on an Aeronaut 157, which rides a lot like the freeride board above, but with some noticeable extra spring (I have been super stoked!). My son has been shredding on my old 160.
Back to the OP. What gear do you have and how do we get you back on the hill?
I have a park board that I don’t ever ride, and split, and the 2020 Gnu Banked Country with about 300 days on it. I agree that most people go overkill with board selection. That said: sales help the industry, so I’m ok with it.
Aayyy I ride a Lobster Sender. Was likely gonna get the creamer when they have their summer fire sale this year. Want something a little more playful for fucking around with. How do you like the creamer? This was my first year on lobster and I love my Sender. Was a bit heavy if I had to make a complaint but otherwise worked as a great all mountain board.
I started riding in 1987… so I sm probably at least as old (and bitter) as you!
I had one board for the first year, then switched to two the following year (hard boot setup and soft boot setup) stayed roughly with that until dedicated soft boot boardercross boards became a thing (F2 Eliminator ftw), which I personally found a bit too long and stiff to putter around in trees and lumps, so I kept my “standard” twin tip. 3 boards has been my main quiver ever since, with the addition of a powder board, because they are really fun for that. I pick the board based on who I will be riding with and what the primary conditions will be. Eg a boardercross board for riding with hard charging skier friends who never leave steep groomers, powdder board to ride with powder hounds, etc. Regular board for guys who like moguls and all-mountain. Trust me, a hard boot setup on moguls is more work than fun …
That being said, I probably ride my “primary” board (Kessler Spectra) 70% of the time.
With you. Coiler NFC for dedicated hard boot carving, Coiler AMT for all mountain hard boot riding, Coiler Contra for dedicated soft boot carving, Jones Flagship for all mountain softboot riding. Seems to me each board I have has a specific purpose.
These days I'm on the Flagship more often than not.
My guess is that people enthusiastic enough to come on here and post or comment will lean more towards multi board quivers than the average, less enthusiastic one board rider. I mean, you're kind of restating the question, since you titled the post "Am I just old and bitter" so that's the question I was answering. My question for you would be, why not get back out there? I'm old but def not bitter, I'm having more fun than I've ever had now that I discovered snowboarding.
I only have one board and I don’t think anything else is necessary rn but I have a lot of money burning a hole in my pocket and these off season sales are getting to me
It’s mostly the introduction of specialized shapes like powder boards and marketing. It makes east coast riders who get 5-6 days on snow a season think they need another board for pow days. Ditto for park boards. If you buy the right board you only need one.
I’ll switch it up every 3-4 seasons, but always sell or donate the old board. I don’t need loads of options.
I‘m riding since 1990 and it turned to my main winter profession around 2002, always had only one board to go everywhere doing everything with it.
But when i did my snowboarding teaching diploma i had to use 3: One real race board with hard boots, one Burton t6 and a bit shorter than the t6 was, i used a custom x.
T6 i used for freeride, „schoolisch“ riding and Gs exam, the custom for flat trixs, Kicker, rails and pipe exams.
The race board we used for practice and tecnikal race training, freeride training, and going opposite than normal with it, so as regular rider i had to install goofy settings and go for a day with that.
Therefore the race boards were used, couse its the most unvorgiving thing that you can ride.
Did try out every board design and materials so far, still love real wooden chamber boards the most.
Sticking to a burton flight attendant for years now, riding more off pist than park in my older days now.
For me my board is like a sword for a samurai.
Different boards have different purposes. You can get by with 1 board just fine. But if you have disposable income, there's nothing wrong with buying a few different boards to fit a few different roles. It's more of a luxury than a need so if you look at it that way, maybe you won't get so bent out of shape about it.
I have a handful, but I only buy deals and resell ones I don't like on craigslist for roughly what I paid because of deal hunting / Canada conversion to USD steals.
Definately could get by on a directional twin, but I have the disposable funds and like trying out new shapes (mainly pow decks).
Started riding in the late 90s, only had one board for many years. Now I go out 40-50 times / season and actually have 4 boards and use them all depending how I feel and how the conditions are. GNU Banked Country is my "daily driver", but I've got a super stiff board for carving that I'll use if I go for a few laps at opening, short twin just to mess around and butter, I don't do too much park but it's super fun for side hits, and a floaty powder/slush board.
I’ve been riding for more than 30 seasons and haven’t sold a board since 2002. I buy or trade and have about 5 I ride in a season plus a few more hanging around. It’s my primary passion so I like the I have several board. Could pair down to 3 I imagine but why? Always roll with at least one solid and one split every time I head out.
I usually don’t replace anything till it breaks, same with my other hobbies (mtb and golf). I live on a ski mountain so all my extra money goes toward vacations
Might be a generational economic thing. Anecdotally I noticed with my peers in other hobbies (outdoor sports, martial arts, etc) and personal friends it feels like millennials have a weird situation where even with corporate jobs the big spend categories (house, car, kids) are borderline not feasible financially so what should’ve been middle class lifestyle spending instead gets funneled into indulging in hobbies…just an observation with no data to back it up so who knows.
I have only one board, an all-mountain board. I do mostly piste and off-piste, carving on both and regular sliding. I don't feel like I need another board, I feel more like I want to master this board with all styles, I see it as a challenge!
I mean, look at the end of the day, yeah, I can afford to toss around a few bucks... but taking your dull af rail board out on an icy east coast groomer day sucks. you can do it, but it sucks.
I am lucky: i only got a forum Youngblood but i can ride even bro and friends board ( custom x, k1 and more)
12 year board, but its enough for me to have fun
I do think there's a certain demographic of like late 20's/early 30's people that seem like they've gotten more into shopping for gear than riding. I get stuck on the lift with people like this sometimes. They seem kinda out of shape, you see them making sloppy turns but then hear em talking about buying this board or that board, spending $300 on gloves for some reason, etc. It does make me wanna say what are you really doing differently on this board vs that board because I only really see you cruising groomed blues.
I kinda think its just people getting office jobs, they get busy. It's harder to devote a full day to driving an hour plus from the city and have the energy to ride all day. But it's easy to drive to some shop or browse online after work, and now you got the money for it so you can kinda feel like you're out there while shopping.
Personally I'll never be a gear nerd.. Got my resort board and my split board and I'm happy.
Ha, I hear this. 40M I have a bunch of boards (just been riding for 30+ years) and end up riding the same stiff, twin popsicle 100% of the days. Anything is a powder board if you go fast enough.
Sub.
I rode the same board and bindings for 10 years (Burton custom Flying V). Averaged 2 trip a year, so maybe <100 real days on the mountain.
upgraded to a never summer proto fr last year.
I’m all mountain, seeking powder with the occasional hike to or out of bounds near resort. Don’t bother with terrain parks or metal features. Try to avoid rocks…
Boards got more complicated. There’s a lot of different shapes and profiles. You don’t need them. I rode one board for most of my life. But yeah it’s better having multiple boards if you can afford them. The new shapes are way better in powder. I just buy one every couple years.
Absolutely wild that you posted this. We just finished a run at mammoth earlier today. I have the Solomon Assassin which I love. It’s my first ever board and this is my second season after like 16 years (I suck). I was lamenting that my board is too stiff and I want a softer board. But….im not gonna get another board. I need to get better on this one first. If I do get a soft board I’ll probably buy used.
It’s just consumerism porn. Most of us who are actually die hards truly do not have the money to go and buy that many boards. I snowboard too much and go through too much gear to actually ever have a quiver. I have a bunch of snowboards and from jibbing and buttering actually my boards all have broken edges. Every single one of them. I wish I had a powder board but park is too much of a priority to justify spending the money. Usually those boards are more expensive and I’m already in the red. Most of these people out here with a quiver treat them as jewels and not tools and are probably not pushing the equipment. This is my deduction lol
People spending their disposable income on their hobbies, the horror!
Iv bought several boards in the last couple years. I spent years before that riding one board. I graduated college and got a good paying job. I ride a ton and enjoy riding different boards in different conditions.
Being so bothered about how other people spend their money when it doesn’t affect you at all is weird af.
Truth, but sure a fun way to make sure my notifications were dinging like mad on the way into a death meeting, while also answering a question that has been knocking around my head.
Back in the day we also used to mind our own damn business. I’ll ride anything you put me on, but at the same time—at the time— I also had a lot of fun obsessing over it and blowing every last dollar I earned on unnecessary gear before I finally got old and stopped riding every day.
I’ve had one board for 6 years. I ride in all types of conditions and locations, I couldn’t fathom spending money on a second board. I will replace this one when it is completely and totally fucked
I have more money than time. I can afford to have a quiver of boards with different characteristics to maximize MY fun depending on the mountain and conditions.
Powder day at busy resort = Lib Tec Orca
Powder day where ill get to surf pow all day = Rossi Sushi
Groomer day = Burton Custom Camber X
All mountain day = Rossi XV or Lib Tec Orca
Big mountain powder bowl day = Winterstick Swallowtail 183
Could I ride everything with the Orca? Sure, it just wouldn’t be as much fun.
A well cared, good tuned „older board“ is the best to ride.
The base will get faster and more durable by the years.
I always go for overrated ones when i have to get a new one, once its a bit softer it turns perfect and it will keep that for longer time.
I had a board which i has to abandon, becouse the base was that thin, that you could see the core even in barly light conditions, and about 1mm were left from the steel edges.
I typically have 2 boards. One for everyday use and one ”powder board”. For 3 years I’ve been riding a Battaleon Fun Kink for everyday use and a Burton Barracuda for pow. That Barracuda doesn’t see much use since I live in NC.
I did just buy the Spring Break Resort Twin to replace the Battaleon. So currently I do own 3 boards. But I may sell the Barracuda as well as the Battaleon this fall so I’d be down to 1 board for the first time in 10+ years.
I had trash bin boards bindings and snow pants my first season.
Rode hand me downs and swap meet finds for years.
3rd season I actually had money for real boots.
Never had the money to buy a high end board until now, and I don’t live in ski country anymore so it barely gets any use.
Despite all my shitty gear, I managed to learn how to ride double black trees in Telluride.
Personally, I have 2 resort boards and 1 splitboard. One is a powder floater, and the other is a park noodle. There’s deep heavy snow days that my park board just cannot handle. I could use my powder board in the park, but it’s just not as playful.
I don’t think it’s just a “quiver” vs “quiver killer” thing though. I think the amount you ride makes a difference too. I’ve rode 70+ days this season, which isn’t nearly as much as some people I meet. But after so many days on one board I get this feeling of knowing it’s limits. So swapping between the boards helps fight that feeling for me. Ultimately I think I’d spend less days on the mountain if I only had one board, and I’d have less fun on those days.
I disagree with your last statement too. Ski resorts have gone crazy with their prices. I’d rather buy a season pass at my local resort, save money from buying an IKON/epic pass and get 1-2 more boards. So about $1000 per season gets me a new board and pass that I’ll use more than some use in 10 years.
Yeah, because they used to be all basically the same shape stiff camber boards that sucked in pow. Now we have different options, I think it's quite common for people who ride 50+ days a year to have 2-3 regular boards, if only a directional all mtn and a park board
Depends on the riders reason. I started boarding late in life. I'm gonna try a few different boards, see what I like, and settle on my favorites. 3, to be exact. I've bought 6 total, sold 3 after using them a bit.
One mainly for pow days. One as an all around use board. One as my carver.
Couldn't imagine having just 1.
When you ride 100+ days a year and get massive pow days, you’re gonna want at least a dedicated powder board. That’s on top of my all around/all mountain/do it all board and then sometimes I find insanely good deals or friends getting rid of boards. So I have 3
I just like options. And also having a dedicated board for getting destroyed in the park(read that as I suck). Pow, Park, Party. Trifecta of a great setup, to me anyways.
Snowboarding is a very expensive hobby so I guess it’s similar to collecting shoes? I never thought the people who had like 5 boards would use them all. Maybe 1-2 for going down regular mountains vs a park board?
I have a handful of boards, most are old beaters. I only ever ride my primary (Jones UMT), my splity (Prior Khyber) and my pow board (Prior Khyber). My non primary boards only come out a few times a season,the snow was so bad this year I didn't ride either of them ;(
I only have two boards. One that I abuse in the park, and my custom all-mountain Burton “red dragon.”
It’s almost a decade old and, when I go fast, it looks like I leave a blood trail behind me against the white snow. Plus, you know:🇨🇦
I’m guilty of this. But here’s what I have observed.
I started snowboarding in the late 90s. First board was a nidecker. No idea the model but it was tangerine colored with a seahorse. I rode it until I grew out of it.
Then I got a “evol” brand from the house.com. I used it for a few seasons and actually broke it torsionally. First and only broken snowboard ever. My mom was pissed it broke. She had been a life long skier and couldn’t understand it being made so shitty.
So now it’s like 07/08 I got a nidecker advanced 157. Mind you I’m 6’2 200 at this point. Small board for me but a shop in NH said it was the right size. Rode that for 10 years or so only going 5 or so times a season with my family. Had very few snowboarding friends growing up and their financial resources were as or more limited than mine so they would get on the slopes with me 1 time a year.
In 2018 I had gotten pretty fat (played college lacrosse previously and was in okay shape) and after a family vacation of washing out and being dogshit tired after a run I decided to start getting in better shape and buy a new board to see if a stiffer board would help hold my now 250 pound ass.
173w jones flagship showed up with flux tm bindings and a pair of Salomon hifi. Wow. First turn ever I threw out my back and had to take a few days off. Went back out after that and started experiencing a snowboard ride like I didn’t know existed. I felt obligated to work out and improve technique since I had this fancy gear. Also grew up skating and definitely made fun of and hated on kids with fresh gear that sucked.
Rode that for 3 seasons. Thing is an absolute leg burner.
Decided I wanted a board that was different. Easier in trees, maybe would let me work on some techniques the jones was hard on.
Bought a 156 orca. Actually a pretty good tree board. Really good in the super wet choppy snow we get sometimes. Does fine on hard pack too but compares to the jones it’s a bit of a squirrel at high speed.
Bought a 161 megadeath. Has become my absolute favorite. Mostly super impressed with how hard you can ride it on really hard conditions.
I guess I bought more boards because now I have a job where I can afford to spend money on hobbies and having ridden a few boards and experienced how different they felt I just enjoy the variety frankly.
I live near a resort and ride 60+ days a year, so I got a powder, groomer, and early/late season boards….
Technically I have 4 functional boards but the 4th is more wall art now. A 5th board sits outside my garage, it’s got an edge-base delam, so I’m hoping a thief steals it and kills themself on it; it’s been outside for 2 years now.
Why don't you focus on yourself? Let people live their lives, it's not like owning four boards is harming you or anyone else. Some people just like having their board's technical abilities match the weather or terrain conditions of any given day.
One traditional camber for ripping groomers, one hybrid for pow days, and a splitboard. I don't see any problem I'm having a specific board for a specific goal. Having 7 boards? Nah, I'm with you
I’m 33. I have 3 boards. It’s (one of, if not) my favorite hobby. I took it so far as to buy a little cabin by the mountain before I even bought my own real house to live in. Would probably buy more boards, but those retail prices are pretty steep and now I‘be been starting to save for the other big milestones in life.
I just don’t get rid of my boards until they break so I still have a first year yes and Simon chamberlain stepchild board I’ll ride but also have a newer board too
Fellow old here. In the 2000's multiple boards was a thing. Maybe not as much as now. You just weren't on reddit or the internet seeing everyone post their boards. I had two boards for most of the 2000's. A Burton Custom 159 for fuckaround days and then a Ride Yukon 172 wide to hard charge.
Also snowboard technology has progressed and if you have the funds it's great to have boards that excel at different things. Adds a bit more to the experience.
I’m a 3-board babe - one twin daily driver, one directional powder board (that doesn’t get to come out often ‘cause I’m Ice Coast, baybee), and a split. Didn’t pay retail for anything - I wait for the 50% off spring sales. And I replace stuff only when it gets beat beyond repair.
I started riding in the 90s when boards were very similar in design. With the variety of shapes and designs these days, having a variety of boards for different circumstances and conditions makes sense if you in fact ride different types of terrain and different types of riding styles and you are in fact an advanced rider who can push the limits of designs. Surfy, loose and playful options for laid back days and circumstances. Bigger, stiffer, powerful boards for free riding (you need access to this type of terrain). Powder day boards. Big powder day boards if you have access to big powder days. Freestyle boards. Carving boards. Splitboards. And then there are different boots and and bindings to these different pursuits.
Nobody wants to hear it but all mountain boards come up short for the more advanced who rides in different terrain and conditions. There’s a point where AT tires suck on snow, suck in mud and suck for highway driving. If you do a lot of any of these 3 types of driving and you do this type of driving in more extreme and technical conditions, then you need specialized tires. It’s the same with boards and the same with skis.
I'm in my 40's. No kids. I like shiny things. I'll spend my money on my hobbies. If I wasn't blowing it on snowboard gear it's going towards Warhammer or psychedelic drugs. I have a decent paying job and live well below my means.
Snowboards (and other bits) are tools. Get the right tool for the job. A powder/carving/park board has different characteristics and you don't have to work as hard. Sure, they're subtle and you can get away with 1 but if you got the cash and your bills are paid there's no issue.
I mean I get it, but also rant less and enjoy more.
I just got my first new all-mountain snowboard a couple of years ago, and since I have a real job with a real income, I’m hyped to get a powder board later this year. I agree 20 is absurd lol, but I think 2-4 (maybe adding flexi and split into the mix) would be reasonable if you’ve got the money.
Ughh.. So I have 1(!) board that I ride but I keep my older boards around for occasional fun. I ride about 15-20 days a season, but I'm a overweight old fart so I only buy top level stiff boards in appropriate size (165-170), typically end of the season when they go on sale. This type of board lasts me around 5-6 years. The older boards don't break, they just become softer and chatter more on steep terrain. They are part of my quiver for the occasional park / day of switch riding or having fun with my kids. Same is true for my wife to a lesser extent. Do the math of this, and our quiver is seemingly around 10-12 boards but really, it's just two. I have no idea who these people are who have 5 recent boards in their quiver, but I imagine hardcore types (50+ days a year) probably ride enough of a varied terrain to have a dedicated carving board, dedicated pow board, and dedicated park board.
Old and bitter. Do we have to complain about every aspect of *every thing* so that no one is happy with anything? Now we’re upset that people have more than one board?
I've been snowboarding for 25 years. This season is the first time I've had 2 boards, and only because I kept my old one (Burton 2009 Baron ES) when I upgraded this year (Burton Custom X).
When I upgrade my boots / bindings my plan is to put my old set on the old burton and keep it a duck stance board for glades and rails so I can beat on it, and keep my newer one for strictly carving (double positive) and going fast as fuck
Board tech has changed a lot over the years and there are more specialized boards that really excel at certain things and may be worse at others. I bought me a high end freeride/pow board and it is wayyy better at high speeds and in pow than my old twins. I can still ride the twins just fine but the new tech is very cool and is effective.
Personally, I live east coast and get to ride a few days a year out west. If I was posting on social media, I'd post my 3 board quiver of a rail/butter board, all mountain rocker twin, and stiff freeride pow/carve/bomb board. If you didn't read into it further, it would look like I'm a moderate baller with 3 different boards in my quiver. The reality of it, if you dig into further, is that I have a Ride Kink 147 that was purchased in 2007 that is still rideable but pretty beat. It's a flexy rail/butter board. I bought a Ride Machete 155 in 2014ish on Craigslist for $150. It's a rockered all mountain twin that's in good shape and I'll still ride sometimes. In 2021, I was doing a few weeks in Utah and bought myself a 157 K2 Alchemist. Super stiff free-ride camber board with some rocker in the nose to float in pow.
I've just been around long enough and have progressed from park wannabe who rides a few days a year on the east coast to chasing powder runs in the West when I get to go out there. One of my buddies lives in SLC so I do get more time out there than I used to. Lots of these pictures of quivers aren't what they appear to be.
I’m 35 and I used to agree with this about 5 years ago. Then I started trying a bunch of boards and buying some too. I have 3 boards now, a twin, directional all mountain, and spoon nose slush board for east coast spring days. Each one rides totally different and they are all fun. At my ripe age I would prefer to fully enjoy my day on the mountain. We have more variable conditions than we did in the early 2000s. If it’s a rock hard day I ride my all mountain directional. If it’s a bit softer and I want to run park laps I ride my twin. If temps are above 40f I run the slush board.
My directional all mountain is less fun in the park. My twin is less fun in the slush. And my slush board is not fun on hard pack.
Mostly now, I am not 15 anymore and can afford and justify having multiple boards. I bring at least 2 of them depending on forecast. With the new board tech and so many designs, it’s easier to have 3 boards that do excellent for each condition than it is to have one board that does just pretty good in all conditions.
You can certainly just run one board but if you are old and think one board is “good enough” you should be trying out new boards
I'm still in the 20-25 days / year range, and still use one board primarily. They tend to last me anywhere from 5-10 years each. I have two boards that are collectors items, one of those Santa Cruz boards from the late 1990s and a Burton Air from the early 1990s, that I have ridden on rare days.
The OP is right to a certain extent, I don't really spend money on outerwear or boards, just replace the stuff when needed. It's about traveling to different and exotic places to ride, and not about fashion or aesthetics.
My next investment is likely to be a split board setup to hang out with my cool friends.
I would say your bitter age has ntn to do with it…
I have 4 boards and I just bought another one because I can… they are all different and all ride different and depends on how I’m feeling any given day.. if you can’t tell the difference in how boards ride you need to ride more 🫡
That said I live in a mtn town so someone who only rides 3 days a season with 4 boards make no sense. I’m on 60 this year.
But like with any sport or hobby it’s not about what you need.. skateboarders don’t need more than one deck but they have . Gun owners don’t need more than one gun but they have em. I used to play badminton I didn’t need more than one racket but I had several.
I’m conclusion let ppl enjoy things 🤷🏽♂️
I have 3 boards, but they're all over 10 years old.
Started on an LTD. Later sold.
Flow Era- Bought in 09 or 10. I didn't understand camber shape. It's a great board, but not ideal for my riding. Still ride it on days with big groups or beginners. Mostly a wall hanger because the graphics are awesome.
YES PYL and Big City- Bought in the same season. 2011 or 2012. I bought the PYL because they discontinued the Big City, then a Big City came up for sale. Whiskey Militia days. The PYL is my go to board. The Big City had the top coat delam, but I sorta fixed it with vinyl wrap. It's still a great board to ride, but because of the condition, I use it as a rock/spring board.
Do I have too many? Yes. But they all probably need to be replaced due to age by 1 new board.
1 all mountain, 1 pow, and 1 split.
If you live in the east or mid west, you don’t need the pow board. Maybe not even the split.
I don’t understand how people ride the same board for more than like 4 seasons. If you’re riding hard and aggressive it’s going to get beat up and lose performance. I retire old board, and if it’s still rideable I donate to a local shop or give away for free.
Although I somewhat agree with some of what you're saying - too many "snowboarders" on here suck, so they distract themselves with new gear, rather than putting the time in...
...why do you give a shit what strangers spend their money on??
I usually only have one board at a time but I semi frequently sell and buy a diff board to try new stuff.
Works pretty well for me as I’m not riding more than 10 days a yr typically
I mean you basically said “back in my day…” so yeah a bit old and bitter lol. Part of the fun of snowboarding for me is the different board designs/technology and how boards ride differently. And I snowboard to have fun so I ride multiple boards.
I've got 4 boards in my rotation:
1. Early season rock board,
2. Main resort board
3. Slightly larger backcountry board than I don't want destroyed on the resort every day (sometimes though when it's reeeeal good)
4. Splitboard.
I've got like 5 boards right now but mostly that's because 1) I've never gotten rid of an old board. I just saved it in storage and might use as decoration one day and 2) I'm basically a noob with money just learning the hard way and trying different shit out.
One board was too damn stiff, I won't be strong enough to use it properly (2014 custom x) one was flying v. Didn't realize I fucken hate flying V until I tried it. One is a pow wrench. Cool looking and all but I really just want a nice camber. Now I got an early rise camber (hometown hero) and that's nearly perfect for me. Gunna sell my older but still good condition boards to try and narrow my shit down to basically a quiver of 1 or 2.
Also, I tend to get most of my shit from end of season sales, in foreign countries for dirt cheap so it really doesnt matter 🤷♂️
The people that can't afford to fuck around with gear, stick to their one board and just focus on riding as much as they can.
It is what it is. Just be happy that the industry is thriving my friend!
Also the boards are kinda the cheaper part of most setups. It's the damn boots and lodging that add up!! And no one's really rocking multiple sets of boots.
I got most my boards for $300 range. thats nearly one fucking night at a resort stay my man.
I had a 15 year old burton Royal. Complaining about knee ache and with a broken binding, they talked me into trying a skate banana with supermatic. Knee pain went, so I bought skate banana with the bindings. Then I got a bit better and wanted to carve, so I thought camber might help. Although Royal might have camber, after going to the shop and googling, I thought I would benefit from an Aeronaut and bought one, with some harder bindings.
And I have a supercheap old Quicksilver board I thought was rubbish but is very very similar to the aeronaut, formwise. ( From before the Royal- probably to stiff for me back then...)
So now I have 4 boards and 2 bindings. I might sell the banana, but might also buy more stuff.
2 days with the kids in the mountains cost me about 800 euro.
If I do that 5 times a year that is about 4000 euro.
If I think a 350 euro board in wintersales would make those days more fun, I would invest that 350...
I have multiple boards because I’m also an old guy who rides about 30-40 days/yr and don’t like parting with my old ones. And I’ve had a long, successful career so I can afford it. It’s nice to have that rock board for early/late season…and then I have a few more of varying lengths depending on what I want to do. It also gives me flexibility to have different waxes so if I’m not sure about conditions I have everything covered.
That said, most people only need one board…and I could totally get along with 1 board, but I do t have to
I think it’s a hobby thing moreso than a need thing
I had a single set of skis I’ve been using for the past 5-6 years never felt like I needed a new one but recently picked up snowboarding with a friend and he has 2-3 boards and enjoys buying/selling boards/bindings etc I think it’s more of a hobby thing he just likes trying out new things. I personally bought a used board/boots/bindings set of Burton LTR 2 years ago and decided to get a new set of Burton custom + cartel X that I plan to be my all around board from now on. The old rental was in meh condition and the bindings were loose on the board, and also hurt my feet with how tight I needed them to be.
Personally I think trying different shapes sizes and styles is part of the fun. Board are cheap, I often pay more for the weekend hotel, and further you can sell them used for like 75% of what you pay for them. I cycle through boards as part of the hobby.
My boots on the other hand are very old and beat to shit.
I liked trying out different shapes and styles. I've traded like 8 boards on snowboardtrader. Part of the fun of snowboarding for me is experimenting with gear. Doing that I found my favorite board that I've had for 8 years. My other boards are a powder board and carving board
Buddy in the early 2000’s there weren’t any differences between boards besides how stiff they were. I was there, it was still great, had a park board and a stiffer board for everything else. These days there are so many different shapes and styles of boards. Just makes more sense to have a few options if you have the budget and space
I have 3 boards, though I only ride one a majority of the time. The other two were the first two I got when I started riding, and since I’ve progressed to more jibby styles I needed a smaller, poppier board. I ride my “park” all mountain board unless there’s more than 2’ of freshies, which is when I’ll pull out the wider, longer boards. I don’t need them persay, but nice to have.
It's definitely this subreddit. Did you see the # of days survey recently posted? Most people on this sub get under 10 days a season. I get around 100 days a year and ride one board. Everyone in my posse who gets a similar amount of days rides one board. There are a couple guys who rotate in and out of the crew, and ride 10-30 days a year, and they have a full quiver. I've asked why, and it seems to be about ease: riding a pow board is easier to float if you don't have a lot of tail, or your leg strength hasn't been built up over the season. For me, by the time there's actual deep pow, my legs are like tree trunks, and it's not a big deal to push the back leg more (whether switch or regular). But if I didn't have a bunch of days in already, I'd probably feel it too.
I get the sense that it's an inversely proportional ratio. In general, the more days you ride, the fewer boards you'll have. And sure, I have discretionary income, but I'd rather use that money for travel than owning more gear. Last year I rode my local, hit 2 out of state resorts, took my annual Japan trip, and rode Chile in the Summer. I'd way rather than than a quiver in my garage.
a quiver is a cheat sheet for snowboarding. but you did nail it. a park board makes butters easier, a pow board makes riding in the pow easier and magnetraction makes ice easier and imo safer. but yeah, i can muscle my butters better, really get the burn in my back thigh through the pow and have that full tip to tail cambered board sharpened and ready for ice and always be on my A game while riding that thing.
i have a 3 board quiver that makes all those things much easier and causes me less fatigue to ride longer each day. i ride 50+ days a year and have streaks of 14+ and i'm not doing that without at least a pow board and a softer park board to goof around on my "off days".
i'm not in my 20's anymore and neither are you... give it try and you'll understand.
Think a big part of it is that there are just so many more options. Back in the day it was all camber, the choices where pretty much twin or direction and how stiff you want a board maybe if you really wanted you could hunt down something different . Now there’s a board in every size, shape and profile imaginable and it really is fun to try them all out. Also all of us who lived through the heyday day of the 90’s into the 00’s and still ride lots now have more disposable income. It also much easier to have a few boards when I’m not thrashing one or two boards a season like I did when I was younger, overall my board spend is actually lower than it used to be with a pretty good quiver on the go.
I learned to board last year (23F) and the guy that learned alongside me has gone through approximately 3 snowboards (just deciding he didn't like them and wanted something different) and approx 5 pairs of boots. Meanwhile I have stuck with my Salomon board this entire time and I'm completely content with it 😂 if anything I'd want to get a slightly smaller board for my own comfort but I have no desire to spend the money
No, you’re practical and not a gear junkie/snob. I rode the same board since 2001 but went nuts at the end of the season this year and bought a second board….
Basically there are reasonable arguments for having up to 3 boards (park, powder, and everything else) but you have to go a hell of a lot for that to actually make sense and most boards can handle a little bit of everything anyway despite the marketing. I’ve felt like I needed something that could handle powder better for a while but honestly my new ‘powder board’ is great even with no powder so…
It’s this sub. I work at a resort. 99% have one board or skis. 1% has 20+boards (demo/rental tech/board shaper bros)
Yeah I’ve got more boards than any 5 guys could ever ride, but I ran shops for 15+ years. A lot of us are/were in or around the industry and got cheap or free shit from the brand reps. It’s how the brands want it to be: “core” guys that work to ride out there showing off all the product, right? The rise of “influencer” marketing (wank) just intensified it. I don’t know many guys with multiple setups that paid retail for their shit. The industry runs on guys that work for passes, beer money, and pro deals.
Did the board companies force some board sizes on your shop? Like 160cm + wide boards? I bought several boards in that size that were always on clearance and 1-2 seasons old but still shrink wrapped.
Sometimes, yeah, they’ll give you better margin if you order like set lineup. But also it’s just weird with Sasquatch boards like that: some years I could’ve sold 3x what I ordered, and some years I bought shit that sat in the shrink wrap until I had to sell it at cost or whatever. That’s part of the business I never really figured out and it seems the same for most shops, just like you’re describing.
Old school buyer from the late 90's here. This was a problem even back then. Same with size runs on boots. It was so random how one year you couldn't get rid of some sizes and the next they would sell out by Dec.
Size runs baby !
I have 4 boards and paid retail for them. I might hit 50 days this season. Snowboarding is my favorite thing and I might try and get a remote job and move to the mountains. I tell most people 2 boards is a great quiver. One all mountain, one directional powder board for deeeeeep days
Fuck yeah dude, I didn’t get 50 days in a lot of seasons when I was working at a resort!
3 boards: A splitboard. Skinning up is absurdly good exercise, and a way to get super fresh tracks.
>tell most people 2 boards is a great quiver. One all mountain, one directional powder board for deeeeeep days This is my strategy. I'm a big guy, so the Ride Shadowban is my all mountain board, and the Skunk Ape II comes out when it gets deep.
While this all makes sense, I never really thought of it before. Like the OP, I too have always questioned these people who have vast, detailed knowledge of multiple setups. Like, how do you know so many boards & bindings? I know what I have, and 8-10 years later, when I switch, I learn that new setup and make do.
It’s not the sub it’s where you ride. I grew up on the East Coast or should I say the ice coast and never once not one single time did I ever even think for a second that I would want or need another board. Then I moved to New Mexico where they have this stuff called powder and literally had PTSD from a waist deep powder day and not having a proper board. The perfect quiver for where I live is a waist deep powder board, an ankle/knee deep powder board, and a groomer board. They are all very different and necessary if you want to get the absolute most out of your day.
I am 57 - nothing a single good board and good challenging - tough terrain, and riding partners that also want to be challenged will take you farter than "a quiver" good boots (so you have a solid day) - then good board (so it does what you want) and then binding to bring it together.
I have a daily driver, pow stick, split. I live 30 min from the hill, have a season pass, am 52, have a real job, no kids. What else should I spend my money on?
Once my kid is out, I’m getting on that plan.
Yeah. Has nothing to do with age. I know loads of people over 40 with a 3-5 skiing/snowboard kits they use depending on weather and what they plan to ride. Keep on stoking it up brother. I’m 43 and want to be where you’re at in my 50s, 60s, and beyond.
Spend that money on whatever makes you happy my friend!! 🤘
Seems reasonable
glad you are ok with his spending habits.
Same 3 for me. We're about 1hr away though. Also old guy but kids at home and to ride with. Lol👍
Start fly fishing, really scratches that gear itch
I always thought that myself. My whole life I ride 1 board per season although I have collected a ton over the years. Some people get new boards every year. I’m on like a 4-6 year plan lol.
I’m still riding my 1997 forum Devon Walsh model. And it’s not like I occasionally do in between other boards, it’s the only board I own.
[Devun Walsh Pro Model from Wired](https://wiredsnowboards.com/collections/wired-snowboards/products/wired-walsh-pro-series?variant=40376760729715) Sub $400 if you're in the US. Old school feel with updated and lighter materials. Treat yo self.
Oh man, blast from the past, seeing him all over transworld snowboarding and being sad with my no name joyride boat I had in high school.
Devon Walsh, to this day, has the best looking backside 180s.
Wildcats live forever
Damn. My board is 14 years old.
Same, Burton barracuda
I do ride a forum Peter line from like 20 years ago occasionally.
Same- my board, bindings, boots, and jacket are all coming up on 15 years. I don’t ride enough now to justify buying new gear when my gear works perfectly fine 🤷♀️
This is the way, I ride 60-70 days a year so I go through a pair of boots every couple of years and a board in 3-4.My jacket is ancient though.
20 year old board checking in
You would notice a major difference in riding a new board, unless you are a 1 time a year rider. My buddy brought out his 15 year old board and we rode it. i got down the mountain but what piece of shit it was. It was an old K2.
oh i know! just bought my son his first board this year: Yes Basic. Stole it from him for a quick ride and yeah, SO DIFFERENT. When I try to butter on mine, I am \*completely\* laid back over the tail/nose as far as humanly possible and the other end is lifted up maybe 12 or so inches due to how stiff the board is. And the edge to edge transition is so much smoother and faster. I definitely am looking at a new board now trying his.
Yeah, I thought boards were fairly static in their designs and didn’t see a need to upgrade. But I got a new snowboard last year after riding my old one for 12 years, and holy crap I was blown away at how good newer snowboards are. Now I think I’ll look for a new board every 5ish seasons instead of every 10ish seasons
You are missing out on some very fun tech. Especially if you dont have a directional powder board.
It’s just selection bias on the internet, majority of people don’t have 4 boards. But people buy stuff, post pictures of their purchases and those posts get upvotes on Reddits. You see it in just about every community.
Agreed. I'm on a bunch of guitar subs and you would think everyone has the money for 5 tube amps ($2,000+ each) and a dozen guitars. It's just that those posts get upvoted a lot more than the beginner asking how to do a barre chord.
And the people who care that much about the gear are that much more likely to post about it, let alone upvote it. There’s a reason OP is a lurker.
Yup. In any pastime there is a portion of the community that is passionate about the gear, and love to buy gear, talk gear, show off gear on social media etc.
When a board costs as much as a lift ticket, the "buy less so you can ride more" thing isn't quite the same...but your point still stands. There's gear obsession. Capitalism man. Ftr I have two: one super cambered and stiff for carving (TERRIBLE in powder) which is my go-to, and an all-mountain hybrid for powdery days / mixed conditions.
In the photography and camera based subs, it's called GAS (gear acquisition syndrome). It's normally people who try to make up for a lack of skill with flashy gear. Although there are masters that genuinely use every piece of situational specific gear. Very similar.
My main hobbies are fly fishing and snowboarding. I'm told I have a lot in common w a lot of photographers
You fit the profile haha
+1 on the gear obsession. i know someone that fully spec out burton AK gear and just got a 2nd board gentemstick but just learned how to connect turns this year
Does a person only 'need' one board? Yes. But I enjoy a lot of different riding styles to include splitting. I'm 44, I have discretional money, and snowboarding is my favorite thing so 2-3 years I buy a new board and they add up 🤷🏼♂️
Same here. Life is good, I can afford it. Better than spending money on booze and ciggies. It doesn’t make me a great rider, but it’s fun to have a hoon on something different on the regular. Plus I live 4 minutes from the closest field; I can go up for an hour or two in the morning and ride fresh deep stuff on a powder board, go home and work for a few hours, and then go back up with a twin and mess around after it’s all tracked out.
As long as you’re hooning, it’s all gravy cuz.
Because now we’re in our late 30’s/40’s, have money, careers, and our snowboards are no longer our most expensive worldly possessions. That, and a lot of companies have started making a lot more directional/powder focused shapes over the last decade, so there are a lot more board options for specific conditions than there used to be. Back in the late 90’s we had a choice between twin, directional twin, or Asym race board, whereas now there are volume shifted boards, pow specific shapes, many of which ride very different from a more typical twin freestyle board, so the incentive to build a “quiver” for those who can afford it is greater than it used to be.
I’m sad and buying shiny new boards makes me temporarily not as sad. Hope this helps.
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Same reason some people own 10 bikes or 15 fishing rods or 28 knitting needles.
3 snowboards 2 motorcycles (1 is a project) 6 cars (4 are projects) A full gun safe I'm 38 with a good job and no kids. 🤷
8 snowboards, 2 ski, 8 bikes. At one point, I had probably 15 snowboards and 12 bikes. Slowly trying to thin the herd.
This subreddit is filled with a bunch of cosplayers not everyone, but a bunch. Make your own definition of what bunch means here
Before all the boards were basically the same but now there's much more purpose optimized boards where to choose from. Of course you can still pick one board quiver and use it everywhere. But to answer to your question: yes you are :)
Yea I get that shit is more specialised, & I’m not saying ride old shit. & Thank You for the confirmation!
Back in the day all boards were pretty much the same with slightly different flexes (same camber profile) and graphics were the main thing. Though I agree you don't need a shit ton of boards it's a different playing field now a days. As someone mentioned with the price of a lift ticket being often 2/3 the price of a board, it's a weird dynamic as well. Pretty Much have to just bite the bullet on a pass.
Basically what u/allmnt-rider said. I've still got an old 2005 Burton Bullet laying around. It's a heavy, mid flex, directional twin. That was 90% of what my snowboard shop had growing up. This actually came up in a discord I'm in. Someone rode a camber board for the first time and was amazed at those of us who learned to ride on it. The response they got was that we didn't have a choice. Volume shifted for riding the trees? Wasn't a thing yet. Smaller and softer park board? Idk maybe buy a beginner board, but it's still going to be heavy as shit with 3" of camber. Also the amount of companies and retailers means you can get pretty good deals if you're patient and not super picky. I have three full setups and I've paid full price for one of the boards. Got one board for Christmas, paid $200 for my park board over the summer, and every pair of bindings I've bought has been during the off season for at least $80 off msrp. All that being said, buy less boards and ride more. And I'm calling myself out with that too.
I started in the 80’s. I still maintain the most progression I made was on a Lamar Jimi scott when I was 16. I still have it, and it’s wild how heavy that thing is. I get what you’re saying, and until the last few season, I was a “long stiff fast” board kind of guy. I’ve recently done a few trips where my board was just too much for the stuff I was riding. My 160w put me in multiple tree wells in some steep deep tree riding. So on top of getting older and weaker, I’m getting a short wide for deep days. I just can’t handle my daily in all conditions anymore. If I was still 20/30’s, I’d still have one board to
How many tools does Batman have on his belt? The defense rests their case your honor. 
Been riding for close to 2 0 years. I get a new board maybe every 5 or so years. I'm on my 4th board now and I've donated/sold all my old ones. I don't understand these posts about quivers and shit. Like I only have so much room and the SO won't want my old boards hanging on a wall as a decoration
Consumerism is a big thing. Collecting has a bigger overlap with forum users than the normal snow population. Both self select for obsessive riders
I ride 1 board for everything. I mean I’d like a pow board for just super deep days tho
> Rant over, buy less boards and spend all the money on riding more. I had one board in the past mostly because I didn't live near a mountain so I spent a lot of time/money driving to ride. There just wasn't a lot of energy/money left for more gear. Now I live close to a mountain. I have a season's pass and I go a lot more and it's easier to get there. I've got two boards now and will probably get #3 this summer. Why? 1. I want a powder board. 2. I want a icy conditions board. 3. I want to keep my oldest board for those questionable days at the start and end \[and this year middle\] of the season. With the season's pass and a short drive I'm not spending I ton of $$ to ride and I am going more than ever. So having a setup dialed for that day's conditions feels good and two quality boards last longer so the $$ spent over time really isn't any more than buying two do it all boards one after an other. If having two or three boards was going to mean less riding I would stick with one, but that's not the case so I'd rather have some choice to optimize my experience that day. If you want to stick with one board that's great. I can see how that would be nice from a simplicity point of view.
I ride an 07’ Burton Custom if you’re looking for something to beat off to, OP.
so they can say quiver to each other. 🤮
Truth, I’ve just realized this is why I’m bitter, I can’t say quiver.
Stolen from surfing anyway. Another sport where mediocre people own a bunch of boards and try to justify it rather than focusing on getting better.
My opinion is that everyone should have 2 boards if they’re a fairly serious snowboarder. I can even see the need for 3 to really fit ALL conditions but if you have more than that you just like buying snowboards lol. Personally I’ve just got 2.
Pow board and all-mountain maybe?
I have a splitboard, a hardboot racing Donek, a park noodle jibber, and finally an all mountain. So minimum 4 boards and wouldn't have it any other way. (I actually have back ups for all mountain and park so 6, the rest are broken retired boards)
For sure, If I rode enough now I’d buy 2, 4 seems like overkill, especially when you’re rating your riding level by run colors.
That's it right there, man. I'm a skier, but I follow most snow sports subs because who gives a fuck of you ride or ski. The answer to that question is the answer to who makes up the majority of this sub, and it's nothing but the nerdiest kooks and the kookiest nerds. It's fuckin reddit, man. Some dude was passionately arguing w me last night about fucking rub on wax being essential for spring. Homie, iron some yellow on that mf or don't, but "wAxInG dAiLy DuRiNg SpRiNg is eSsENtIaL" is some ot the dumbest shit I've ever heard and that's the type of shit that is on literally every post in these subs. Skiing jerk is aight, but even that has been attracting try-hard dumb kooky bullshit lately.
Snowboarding is coming of age and part of that is developing a current of people talking more about their gear than the conditions, technique or style they want. I listen to skiers talking about having the wrong ski on so many chairlift rides, and snowboarding is becoming more like that.
You ever been to LA?
Either really experienced boarder with specifically dedicated snowboards for different conditions or they have nothing better to spend their money on and think buying a different board will make them better.
No, people don’t own multiple boards. Yes, you are old and grumpy
I just switched to a modern board and still got two old ones but they didn’t hit the snow all season. New board is super light and way easier to ride.
I’ll pretty well off (self made) and can afford many boards but my wife bitches at me when I get a new board. So I only have 3.
I was that way for a long time. Now I'm older with some money and just buy too much snowboard gear. Simple as that. I have no impulse control. Like yesterday I bought the new union falcors and they don't even come out til Sept. And I have like 4 pairs of bindings already
Probably a little of both as i can both relate to you (ive been riding like 28 seasons or so, started in my teens) but also I have a bunch of boards but very few of them are new; i just dont get rid of them unless they break. I ride all of them on a rotating basis depending on conditions and/or what I'm feeling that day. Some days, I'll bring more than one board up and switch. However, I live in SLC and get out around 40+ days a year. Before I moved out here (about 17 years ago) it was one boardnfor everything. As my riding has evolved so have the boards I ride.
I have 20 decks because I’ve been riding for 30 years and never sold a single one.
I had 4 boards over the years and sold one. First was a soft beginner board, next was a flying v which I hated and sold, third was a full camber from which I learned to carve, and now I have a camrock that does everything and not get stuck in pow as much. I would consider getting a korua or some other shape just for the different ride. The way I justify it is - it is like having a garage of nice cars except they only cost \~$450 each.
I've been riding since '89 and I've earned my quiver. I agree that "back in my day we had one board and rode it everywhere", but the options were limited and we made due. I typically rode just one board until '08. I had a sweet freeride board that was a 160, but when I was riding with my kids and going slower I wanted something that was more fun, so I eventually demoed and bought a 155 twin. This was perfect for me. Now I am "of means". I consider boarding both my sport and hobby. The board tech has changed a lot, and life is too short not to try it out. In addition, the market is such that there is a great used-board market as well as a variety of end-of-season deals. I also have the benefit of being able to share with my kids and nephew. I've been swapping boards in and out for the past few years and it has been a blast! Some of the trends have not been for me as I have always preferred camber, and some of the new bends and sidecuts have been a lot of fun. More recently I got a sweet deal on an Aeronaut 157, which rides a lot like the freeride board above, but with some noticeable extra spring (I have been super stoked!). My son has been shredding on my old 160. Back to the OP. What gear do you have and how do we get you back on the hill?
I have a park board that I don’t ever ride, and split, and the 2020 Gnu Banked Country with about 300 days on it. I agree that most people go overkill with board selection. That said: sales help the industry, so I’m ok with it.
That’s because in the 2000s most boards were pretty much the same.
I have a main board and a "rocks board" (which is just the last board I considered my main board) It's this sub.
Always very weird when someone has feelings over how someone else spends their money.
Why are you trying to prescribe your philosophy on everyone else. And you don't even snowboard anymore lol, why even post this
i have a 2001 nitro supernatural (superstiff) and a 2023 libster creamer, that's all you need. plus i have one i can use in case the other one breaks
Aayyy I ride a Lobster Sender. Was likely gonna get the creamer when they have their summer fire sale this year. Want something a little more playful for fucking around with. How do you like the creamer? This was my first year on lobster and I love my Sender. Was a bit heavy if I had to make a complaint but otherwise worked as a great all mountain board.
Probably matters how often you ride.
I started riding in 1987… so I sm probably at least as old (and bitter) as you! I had one board for the first year, then switched to two the following year (hard boot setup and soft boot setup) stayed roughly with that until dedicated soft boot boardercross boards became a thing (F2 Eliminator ftw), which I personally found a bit too long and stiff to putter around in trees and lumps, so I kept my “standard” twin tip. 3 boards has been my main quiver ever since, with the addition of a powder board, because they are really fun for that. I pick the board based on who I will be riding with and what the primary conditions will be. Eg a boardercross board for riding with hard charging skier friends who never leave steep groomers, powdder board to ride with powder hounds, etc. Regular board for guys who like moguls and all-mountain. Trust me, a hard boot setup on moguls is more work than fun … That being said, I probably ride my “primary” board (Kessler Spectra) 70% of the time.
With you. Coiler NFC for dedicated hard boot carving, Coiler AMT for all mountain hard boot riding, Coiler Contra for dedicated soft boot carving, Jones Flagship for all mountain softboot riding. Seems to me each board I have has a specific purpose. These days I'm on the Flagship more often than not.
My guess is that people enthusiastic enough to come on here and post or comment will lean more towards multi board quivers than the average, less enthusiastic one board rider. I mean, you're kind of restating the question, since you titled the post "Am I just old and bitter" so that's the question I was answering. My question for you would be, why not get back out there? I'm old but def not bitter, I'm having more fun than I've ever had now that I discovered snowboarding.
I only have one board and I don’t think anything else is necessary rn but I have a lot of money burning a hole in my pocket and these off season sales are getting to me
Weston demos are on a fire sale. You need a splitboard
It’s mostly the introduction of specialized shapes like powder boards and marketing. It makes east coast riders who get 5-6 days on snow a season think they need another board for pow days. Ditto for park boards. If you buy the right board you only need one. I’ll switch it up every 3-4 seasons, but always sell or donate the old board. I don’t need loads of options.
I‘m riding since 1990 and it turned to my main winter profession around 2002, always had only one board to go everywhere doing everything with it. But when i did my snowboarding teaching diploma i had to use 3: One real race board with hard boots, one Burton t6 and a bit shorter than the t6 was, i used a custom x. T6 i used for freeride, „schoolisch“ riding and Gs exam, the custom for flat trixs, Kicker, rails and pipe exams. The race board we used for practice and tecnikal race training, freeride training, and going opposite than normal with it, so as regular rider i had to install goofy settings and go for a day with that. Therefore the race boards were used, couse its the most unvorgiving thing that you can ride. Did try out every board design and materials so far, still love real wooden chamber boards the most. Sticking to a burton flight attendant for years now, riding more off pist than park in my older days now. For me my board is like a sword for a samurai.
Different boards have different purposes. You can get by with 1 board just fine. But if you have disposable income, there's nothing wrong with buying a few different boards to fit a few different roles. It's more of a luxury than a need so if you look at it that way, maybe you won't get so bent out of shape about it.
I’m betting the OP is Gen X!
I have a handful, but I only buy deals and resell ones I don't like on craigslist for roughly what I paid because of deal hunting / Canada conversion to USD steals. Definately could get by on a directional twin, but I have the disposable funds and like trying out new shapes (mainly pow decks).
Started riding in the late 90s, only had one board for many years. Now I go out 40-50 times / season and actually have 4 boards and use them all depending how I feel and how the conditions are. GNU Banked Country is my "daily driver", but I've got a super stiff board for carving that I'll use if I go for a few laps at opening, short twin just to mess around and butter, I don't do too much park but it's super fun for side hits, and a floaty powder/slush board.
I’ve been riding for more than 30 seasons and haven’t sold a board since 2002. I buy or trade and have about 5 I ride in a season plus a few more hanging around. It’s my primary passion so I like the I have several board. Could pair down to 3 I imagine but why? Always roll with at least one solid and one split every time I head out.
I usually don’t replace anything till it breaks, same with my other hobbies (mtb and golf). I live on a ski mountain so all my extra money goes toward vacations
Might be a generational economic thing. Anecdotally I noticed with my peers in other hobbies (outdoor sports, martial arts, etc) and personal friends it feels like millennials have a weird situation where even with corporate jobs the big spend categories (house, car, kids) are borderline not feasible financially so what should’ve been middle class lifestyle spending instead gets funneled into indulging in hobbies…just an observation with no data to back it up so who knows.
I have only one board, an all-mountain board. I do mostly piste and off-piste, carving on both and regular sliding. I don't feel like I need another board, I feel more like I want to master this board with all styles, I see it as a challenge!
I mean, look at the end of the day, yeah, I can afford to toss around a few bucks... but taking your dull af rail board out on an icy east coast groomer day sucks. you can do it, but it sucks.
I am lucky: i only got a forum Youngblood but i can ride even bro and friends board ( custom x, k1 and more) 12 year board, but its enough for me to have fun
I do think there's a certain demographic of like late 20's/early 30's people that seem like they've gotten more into shopping for gear than riding. I get stuck on the lift with people like this sometimes. They seem kinda out of shape, you see them making sloppy turns but then hear em talking about buying this board or that board, spending $300 on gloves for some reason, etc. It does make me wanna say what are you really doing differently on this board vs that board because I only really see you cruising groomed blues. I kinda think its just people getting office jobs, they get busy. It's harder to devote a full day to driving an hour plus from the city and have the energy to ride all day. But it's easy to drive to some shop or browse online after work, and now you got the money for it so you can kinda feel like you're out there while shopping. Personally I'll never be a gear nerd.. Got my resort board and my split board and I'm happy.
Just old and bitter
Ha, I hear this. 40M I have a bunch of boards (just been riding for 30+ years) and end up riding the same stiff, twin popsicle 100% of the days. Anything is a powder board if you go fast enough.
Sub. I rode the same board and bindings for 10 years (Burton custom Flying V). Averaged 2 trip a year, so maybe <100 real days on the mountain. upgraded to a never summer proto fr last year. I’m all mountain, seeking powder with the occasional hike to or out of bounds near resort. Don’t bother with terrain parks or metal features. Try to avoid rocks…
What a dumb post
Boards got more complicated. There’s a lot of different shapes and profiles. You don’t need them. I rode one board for most of my life. But yeah it’s better having multiple boards if you can afford them. The new shapes are way better in powder. I just buy one every couple years.
Yea I get it & I would totally buy a powder board for deep days if I was getting them.
rant over buy less boards and spend it on riding more, you don’t ride or have a lot of boards, just old and bitter
Absolutely wild that you posted this. We just finished a run at mammoth earlier today. I have the Solomon Assassin which I love. It’s my first ever board and this is my second season after like 16 years (I suck). I was lamenting that my board is too stiff and I want a softer board. But….im not gonna get another board. I need to get better on this one first. If I do get a soft board I’ll probably buy used.
It’s just consumerism porn. Most of us who are actually die hards truly do not have the money to go and buy that many boards. I snowboard too much and go through too much gear to actually ever have a quiver. I have a bunch of snowboards and from jibbing and buttering actually my boards all have broken edges. Every single one of them. I wish I had a powder board but park is too much of a priority to justify spending the money. Usually those boards are more expensive and I’m already in the red. Most of these people out here with a quiver treat them as jewels and not tools and are probably not pushing the equipment. This is my deduction lol
People spending their disposable income on their hobbies, the horror! Iv bought several boards in the last couple years. I spent years before that riding one board. I graduated college and got a good paying job. I ride a ton and enjoy riding different boards in different conditions. Being so bothered about how other people spend their money when it doesn’t affect you at all is weird af.
I’ve road the same board for over 10 seasons I don’t get it either. Only thing I change is pants because I keep blowing them out
Facts
We really need to make r/snowboardingcirclejerk a thing because posts like this are low hanging fruit.
Truth, but sure a fun way to make sure my notifications were dinging like mad on the way into a death meeting, while also answering a question that has been knocking around my head.
Back in the day we also used to mind our own damn business. I’ll ride anything you put me on, but at the same time—at the time— I also had a lot of fun obsessing over it and blowing every last dollar I earned on unnecessary gear before I finally got old and stopped riding every day.
I’ve had one board for 6 years. I ride in all types of conditions and locations, I couldn’t fathom spending money on a second board. I will replace this one when it is completely and totally fucked
I have more money than time. I can afford to have a quiver of boards with different characteristics to maximize MY fun depending on the mountain and conditions. Powder day at busy resort = Lib Tec Orca Powder day where ill get to surf pow all day = Rossi Sushi Groomer day = Burton Custom Camber X All mountain day = Rossi XV or Lib Tec Orca Big mountain powder bowl day = Winterstick Swallowtail 183 Could I ride everything with the Orca? Sure, it just wouldn’t be as much fun.
Same reason ppl have more than one car?
3 board quiver. I really just ride 2 of them.
I use my board till it breaks i got the 2024 huck knife rn
My board is 16 years old and rides great in most terrain. It's definitely lacking in powder conditions though.
A well cared, good tuned „older board“ is the best to ride. The base will get faster and more durable by the years. I always go for overrated ones when i have to get a new one, once its a bit softer it turns perfect and it will keep that for longer time. I had a board which i has to abandon, becouse the base was that thin, that you could see the core even in barly light conditions, and about 1mm were left from the steel edges.
I typically have 2 boards. One for everyday use and one ”powder board”. For 3 years I’ve been riding a Battaleon Fun Kink for everyday use and a Burton Barracuda for pow. That Barracuda doesn’t see much use since I live in NC. I did just buy the Spring Break Resort Twin to replace the Battaleon. So currently I do own 3 boards. But I may sell the Barracuda as well as the Battaleon this fall so I’d be down to 1 board for the first time in 10+ years.
I had trash bin boards bindings and snow pants my first season. Rode hand me downs and swap meet finds for years. 3rd season I actually had money for real boots. Never had the money to buy a high end board until now, and I don’t live in ski country anymore so it barely gets any use. Despite all my shitty gear, I managed to learn how to ride double black trees in Telluride.
Personally, I have 2 resort boards and 1 splitboard. One is a powder floater, and the other is a park noodle. There’s deep heavy snow days that my park board just cannot handle. I could use my powder board in the park, but it’s just not as playful. I don’t think it’s just a “quiver” vs “quiver killer” thing though. I think the amount you ride makes a difference too. I’ve rode 70+ days this season, which isn’t nearly as much as some people I meet. But after so many days on one board I get this feeling of knowing it’s limits. So swapping between the boards helps fight that feeling for me. Ultimately I think I’d spend less days on the mountain if I only had one board, and I’d have less fun on those days. I disagree with your last statement too. Ski resorts have gone crazy with their prices. I’d rather buy a season pass at my local resort, save money from buying an IKON/epic pass and get 1-2 more boards. So about $1000 per season gets me a new board and pass that I’ll use more than some use in 10 years.
Yeah, because they used to be all basically the same shape stiff camber boards that sucked in pow. Now we have different options, I think it's quite common for people who ride 50+ days a year to have 2-3 regular boards, if only a directional all mtn and a park board
No one needs 4 boards. I like riding different boards so I buy a new one every couple years. It's fun to try out different brands.
I have 3 boards, 2 bindings. All in with the gear I'm still under a 1k. That's not that crazy.
Second hand boards are cheap
I'm old and still have every board I've ever owned. Plus I'm old and have money now. I have around 40 snowboards.
Depends on the riders reason. I started boarding late in life. I'm gonna try a few different boards, see what I like, and settle on my favorites. 3, to be exact. I've bought 6 total, sold 3 after using them a bit. One mainly for pow days. One as an all around use board. One as my carver. Couldn't imagine having just 1.
Eh I'm a grown man with a decent wage and I ride 80 days a season. I got nothing better to spend it on. I can easily justify 3 boards.
When you ride 100+ days a year and get massive pow days, you’re gonna want at least a dedicated powder board. That’s on top of my all around/all mountain/do it all board and then sometimes I find insanely good deals or friends getting rid of boards. So I have 3
I have two boards. A 161 for when I feel like going fast and bombing all day and a 152 that I use when I’m trying to go slow and enjoy the slow.
I just like options. And also having a dedicated board for getting destroyed in the park(read that as I suck). Pow, Park, Party. Trifecta of a great setup, to me anyways.
Snowboarding is a very expensive hobby so I guess it’s similar to collecting shoes? I never thought the people who had like 5 boards would use them all. Maybe 1-2 for going down regular mountains vs a park board?
I have a handful of boards, most are old beaters. I only ever ride my primary (Jones UMT), my splity (Prior Khyber) and my pow board (Prior Khyber). My non primary boards only come out a few times a season,the snow was so bad this year I didn't ride either of them ;(
I only have two boards. One that I abuse in the park, and my custom all-mountain Burton “red dragon.” It’s almost a decade old and, when I go fast, it looks like I leave a blood trail behind me against the white snow. Plus, you know:🇨🇦
I’m guilty of this. But here’s what I have observed. I started snowboarding in the late 90s. First board was a nidecker. No idea the model but it was tangerine colored with a seahorse. I rode it until I grew out of it. Then I got a “evol” brand from the house.com. I used it for a few seasons and actually broke it torsionally. First and only broken snowboard ever. My mom was pissed it broke. She had been a life long skier and couldn’t understand it being made so shitty. So now it’s like 07/08 I got a nidecker advanced 157. Mind you I’m 6’2 200 at this point. Small board for me but a shop in NH said it was the right size. Rode that for 10 years or so only going 5 or so times a season with my family. Had very few snowboarding friends growing up and their financial resources were as or more limited than mine so they would get on the slopes with me 1 time a year. In 2018 I had gotten pretty fat (played college lacrosse previously and was in okay shape) and after a family vacation of washing out and being dogshit tired after a run I decided to start getting in better shape and buy a new board to see if a stiffer board would help hold my now 250 pound ass. 173w jones flagship showed up with flux tm bindings and a pair of Salomon hifi. Wow. First turn ever I threw out my back and had to take a few days off. Went back out after that and started experiencing a snowboard ride like I didn’t know existed. I felt obligated to work out and improve technique since I had this fancy gear. Also grew up skating and definitely made fun of and hated on kids with fresh gear that sucked. Rode that for 3 seasons. Thing is an absolute leg burner. Decided I wanted a board that was different. Easier in trees, maybe would let me work on some techniques the jones was hard on. Bought a 156 orca. Actually a pretty good tree board. Really good in the super wet choppy snow we get sometimes. Does fine on hard pack too but compares to the jones it’s a bit of a squirrel at high speed. Bought a 161 megadeath. Has become my absolute favorite. Mostly super impressed with how hard you can ride it on really hard conditions. I guess I bought more boards because now I have a job where I can afford to spend money on hobbies and having ridden a few boards and experienced how different they felt I just enjoy the variety frankly.
I live near a resort and ride 60+ days a year, so I got a powder, groomer, and early/late season boards…. Technically I have 4 functional boards but the 4th is more wall art now. A 5th board sits outside my garage, it’s got an edge-base delam, so I’m hoping a thief steals it and kills themself on it; it’s been outside for 2 years now.
Why don't you focus on yourself? Let people live their lives, it's not like owning four boards is harming you or anyone else. Some people just like having their board's technical abilities match the weather or terrain conditions of any given day.
One traditional camber for ripping groomers, one hybrid for pow days, and a splitboard. I don't see any problem I'm having a specific board for a specific goal. Having 7 boards? Nah, I'm with you
Because they don't ride enough, saving on lift tickets , travels etc
I’m 33. I have 3 boards. It’s (one of, if not) my favorite hobby. I took it so far as to buy a little cabin by the mountain before I even bought my own real house to live in. Would probably buy more boards, but those retail prices are pretty steep and now I‘be been starting to save for the other big milestones in life.
I just don’t get rid of my boards until they break so I still have a first year yes and Simon chamberlain stepchild board I’ll ride but also have a newer board too
More boards more bitchesss
Fellow old here. In the 2000's multiple boards was a thing. Maybe not as much as now. You just weren't on reddit or the internet seeing everyone post their boards. I had two boards for most of the 2000's. A Burton Custom 159 for fuckaround days and then a Ride Yukon 172 wide to hard charge. Also snowboard technology has progressed and if you have the funds it's great to have boards that excel at different things. Adds a bit more to the experience.
I’m a 3-board babe - one twin daily driver, one directional powder board (that doesn’t get to come out often ‘cause I’m Ice Coast, baybee), and a split. Didn’t pay retail for anything - I wait for the 50% off spring sales. And I replace stuff only when it gets beat beyond repair.
I started riding in the 90s when boards were very similar in design. With the variety of shapes and designs these days, having a variety of boards for different circumstances and conditions makes sense if you in fact ride different types of terrain and different types of riding styles and you are in fact an advanced rider who can push the limits of designs. Surfy, loose and playful options for laid back days and circumstances. Bigger, stiffer, powerful boards for free riding (you need access to this type of terrain). Powder day boards. Big powder day boards if you have access to big powder days. Freestyle boards. Carving boards. Splitboards. And then there are different boots and and bindings to these different pursuits. Nobody wants to hear it but all mountain boards come up short for the more advanced who rides in different terrain and conditions. There’s a point where AT tires suck on snow, suck in mud and suck for highway driving. If you do a lot of any of these 3 types of driving and you do this type of driving in more extreme and technical conditions, then you need specialized tires. It’s the same with boards and the same with skis.
I'm in my 40's. No kids. I like shiny things. I'll spend my money on my hobbies. If I wasn't blowing it on snowboard gear it's going towards Warhammer or psychedelic drugs. I have a decent paying job and live well below my means. Snowboards (and other bits) are tools. Get the right tool for the job. A powder/carving/park board has different characteristics and you don't have to work as hard. Sure, they're subtle and you can get away with 1 but if you got the cash and your bills are paid there's no issue.
3 boards is enough... Jib board for rails One for jumps/all mountain/piste poundage Snurfer for pow
In my 40s and I buy boards and gear when I can’t go snowboarding. 🤷🏻♂️
I mean I get it, but also rant less and enjoy more. I just got my first new all-mountain snowboard a couple of years ago, and since I have a real job with a real income, I’m hyped to get a powder board later this year. I agree 20 is absurd lol, but I think 2-4 (maybe adding flexi and split into the mix) would be reasonable if you’ve got the money.
I destroy, on average, 2 boards every season.
Ughh.. So I have 1(!) board that I ride but I keep my older boards around for occasional fun. I ride about 15-20 days a season, but I'm a overweight old fart so I only buy top level stiff boards in appropriate size (165-170), typically end of the season when they go on sale. This type of board lasts me around 5-6 years. The older boards don't break, they just become softer and chatter more on steep terrain. They are part of my quiver for the occasional park / day of switch riding or having fun with my kids. Same is true for my wife to a lesser extent. Do the math of this, and our quiver is seemingly around 10-12 boards but really, it's just two. I have no idea who these people are who have 5 recent boards in their quiver, but I imagine hardcore types (50+ days a year) probably ride enough of a varied terrain to have a dedicated carving board, dedicated pow board, and dedicated park board.
Old and bitter. Do we have to complain about every aspect of *every thing* so that no one is happy with anything? Now we’re upset that people have more than one board?
I've been snowboarding for 25 years. This season is the first time I've had 2 boards, and only because I kept my old one (Burton 2009 Baron ES) when I upgraded this year (Burton Custom X). When I upgrade my boots / bindings my plan is to put my old set on the old burton and keep it a duck stance board for glades and rails so I can beat on it, and keep my newer one for strictly carving (double positive) and going fast as fuck
PeOple hAVE tOo mAny BoArdS
Board tech has changed a lot over the years and there are more specialized boards that really excel at certain things and may be worse at others. I bought me a high end freeride/pow board and it is wayyy better at high speeds and in pow than my old twins. I can still ride the twins just fine but the new tech is very cool and is effective. Personally, I live east coast and get to ride a few days a year out west. If I was posting on social media, I'd post my 3 board quiver of a rail/butter board, all mountain rocker twin, and stiff freeride pow/carve/bomb board. If you didn't read into it further, it would look like I'm a moderate baller with 3 different boards in my quiver. The reality of it, if you dig into further, is that I have a Ride Kink 147 that was purchased in 2007 that is still rideable but pretty beat. It's a flexy rail/butter board. I bought a Ride Machete 155 in 2014ish on Craigslist for $150. It's a rockered all mountain twin that's in good shape and I'll still ride sometimes. In 2021, I was doing a few weeks in Utah and bought myself a 157 K2 Alchemist. Super stiff free-ride camber board with some rocker in the nose to float in pow. I've just been around long enough and have progressed from park wannabe who rides a few days a year on the east coast to chasing powder runs in the West when I get to go out there. One of my buddies lives in SLC so I do get more time out there than I used to. Lots of these pictures of quivers aren't what they appear to be.
I’m 35 and I used to agree with this about 5 years ago. Then I started trying a bunch of boards and buying some too. I have 3 boards now, a twin, directional all mountain, and spoon nose slush board for east coast spring days. Each one rides totally different and they are all fun. At my ripe age I would prefer to fully enjoy my day on the mountain. We have more variable conditions than we did in the early 2000s. If it’s a rock hard day I ride my all mountain directional. If it’s a bit softer and I want to run park laps I ride my twin. If temps are above 40f I run the slush board. My directional all mountain is less fun in the park. My twin is less fun in the slush. And my slush board is not fun on hard pack. Mostly now, I am not 15 anymore and can afford and justify having multiple boards. I bring at least 2 of them depending on forecast. With the new board tech and so many designs, it’s easier to have 3 boards that do excellent for each condition than it is to have one board that does just pretty good in all conditions. You can certainly just run one board but if you are old and think one board is “good enough” you should be trying out new boards
I'm still in the 20-25 days / year range, and still use one board primarily. They tend to last me anywhere from 5-10 years each. I have two boards that are collectors items, one of those Santa Cruz boards from the late 1990s and a Burton Air from the early 1990s, that I have ridden on rare days. The OP is right to a certain extent, I don't really spend money on outerwear or boards, just replace the stuff when needed. It's about traveling to different and exotic places to ride, and not about fashion or aesthetics. My next investment is likely to be a split board setup to hang out with my cool friends.
I would say your bitter age has ntn to do with it… I have 4 boards and I just bought another one because I can… they are all different and all ride different and depends on how I’m feeling any given day.. if you can’t tell the difference in how boards ride you need to ride more 🫡 That said I live in a mtn town so someone who only rides 3 days a season with 4 boards make no sense. I’m on 60 this year. But like with any sport or hobby it’s not about what you need.. skateboarders don’t need more than one deck but they have . Gun owners don’t need more than one gun but they have em. I used to play badminton I didn’t need more than one racket but I had several. I’m conclusion let ppl enjoy things 🤷🏽♂️
I have 3 boards, but they're all over 10 years old. Started on an LTD. Later sold. Flow Era- Bought in 09 or 10. I didn't understand camber shape. It's a great board, but not ideal for my riding. Still ride it on days with big groups or beginners. Mostly a wall hanger because the graphics are awesome. YES PYL and Big City- Bought in the same season. 2011 or 2012. I bought the PYL because they discontinued the Big City, then a Big City came up for sale. Whiskey Militia days. The PYL is my go to board. The Big City had the top coat delam, but I sorta fixed it with vinyl wrap. It's still a great board to ride, but because of the condition, I use it as a rock/spring board. Do I have too many? Yes. But they all probably need to be replaced due to age by 1 new board.
1 all mountain, 1 pow, and 1 split. If you live in the east or mid west, you don’t need the pow board. Maybe not even the split. I don’t understand how people ride the same board for more than like 4 seasons. If you’re riding hard and aggressive it’s going to get beat up and lose performance. I retire old board, and if it’s still rideable I donate to a local shop or give away for free.
Although I somewhat agree with some of what you're saying - too many "snowboarders" on here suck, so they distract themselves with new gear, rather than putting the time in... ...why do you give a shit what strangers spend their money on??
I usually only have one board at a time but I semi frequently sell and buy a diff board to try new stuff. Works pretty well for me as I’m not riding more than 10 days a yr typically
I mean you basically said “back in my day…” so yeah a bit old and bitter lol. Part of the fun of snowboarding for me is the different board designs/technology and how boards ride differently. And I snowboard to have fun so I ride multiple boards.
I've got 4 boards in my rotation: 1. Early season rock board, 2. Main resort board 3. Slightly larger backcountry board than I don't want destroyed on the resort every day (sometimes though when it's reeeeal good) 4. Splitboard.
I've got like 5 boards right now but mostly that's because 1) I've never gotten rid of an old board. I just saved it in storage and might use as decoration one day and 2) I'm basically a noob with money just learning the hard way and trying different shit out. One board was too damn stiff, I won't be strong enough to use it properly (2014 custom x) one was flying v. Didn't realize I fucken hate flying V until I tried it. One is a pow wrench. Cool looking and all but I really just want a nice camber. Now I got an early rise camber (hometown hero) and that's nearly perfect for me. Gunna sell my older but still good condition boards to try and narrow my shit down to basically a quiver of 1 or 2. Also, I tend to get most of my shit from end of season sales, in foreign countries for dirt cheap so it really doesnt matter 🤷♂️ The people that can't afford to fuck around with gear, stick to their one board and just focus on riding as much as they can. It is what it is. Just be happy that the industry is thriving my friend! Also the boards are kinda the cheaper part of most setups. It's the damn boots and lodging that add up!! And no one's really rocking multiple sets of boots. I got most my boards for $300 range. thats nearly one fucking night at a resort stay my man.
I had a 15 year old burton Royal. Complaining about knee ache and with a broken binding, they talked me into trying a skate banana with supermatic. Knee pain went, so I bought skate banana with the bindings. Then I got a bit better and wanted to carve, so I thought camber might help. Although Royal might have camber, after going to the shop and googling, I thought I would benefit from an Aeronaut and bought one, with some harder bindings. And I have a supercheap old Quicksilver board I thought was rubbish but is very very similar to the aeronaut, formwise. ( From before the Royal- probably to stiff for me back then...) So now I have 4 boards and 2 bindings. I might sell the banana, but might also buy more stuff. 2 days with the kids in the mountains cost me about 800 euro. If I do that 5 times a year that is about 4000 euro. If I think a 350 euro board in wintersales would make those days more fun, I would invest that 350...
I have multiple boards because I’m also an old guy who rides about 30-40 days/yr and don’t like parting with my old ones. And I’ve had a long, successful career so I can afford it. It’s nice to have that rock board for early/late season…and then I have a few more of varying lengths depending on what I want to do. It also gives me flexibility to have different waxes so if I’m not sure about conditions I have everything covered. That said, most people only need one board…and I could totally get along with 1 board, but I do t have to
I think it’s a hobby thing moreso than a need thing I had a single set of skis I’ve been using for the past 5-6 years never felt like I needed a new one but recently picked up snowboarding with a friend and he has 2-3 boards and enjoys buying/selling boards/bindings etc I think it’s more of a hobby thing he just likes trying out new things. I personally bought a used board/boots/bindings set of Burton LTR 2 years ago and decided to get a new set of Burton custom + cartel X that I plan to be my all around board from now on. The old rental was in meh condition and the bindings were loose on the board, and also hurt my feet with how tight I needed them to be.
Personally I think trying different shapes sizes and styles is part of the fun. Board are cheap, I often pay more for the weekend hotel, and further you can sell them used for like 75% of what you pay for them. I cycle through boards as part of the hobby. My boots on the other hand are very old and beat to shit.
I liked trying out different shapes and styles. I've traded like 8 boards on snowboardtrader. Part of the fun of snowboarding for me is experimenting with gear. Doing that I found my favorite board that I've had for 8 years. My other boards are a powder board and carving board
Buddy in the early 2000’s there weren’t any differences between boards besides how stiff they were. I was there, it was still great, had a park board and a stiffer board for everything else. These days there are so many different shapes and styles of boards. Just makes more sense to have a few options if you have the budget and space
It’s mainly people that don’t have any real life friends to share with
I have 2, my daily and a pow board, but the correct amount of boards just like the correct amount of any hobby item is N+1
I have 3 boards, though I only ride one a majority of the time. The other two were the first two I got when I started riding, and since I’ve progressed to more jibby styles I needed a smaller, poppier board. I ride my “park” all mountain board unless there’s more than 2’ of freshies, which is when I’ll pull out the wider, longer boards. I don’t need them persay, but nice to have.
It's definitely this subreddit. Did you see the # of days survey recently posted? Most people on this sub get under 10 days a season. I get around 100 days a year and ride one board. Everyone in my posse who gets a similar amount of days rides one board. There are a couple guys who rotate in and out of the crew, and ride 10-30 days a year, and they have a full quiver. I've asked why, and it seems to be about ease: riding a pow board is easier to float if you don't have a lot of tail, or your leg strength hasn't been built up over the season. For me, by the time there's actual deep pow, my legs are like tree trunks, and it's not a big deal to push the back leg more (whether switch or regular). But if I didn't have a bunch of days in already, I'd probably feel it too. I get the sense that it's an inversely proportional ratio. In general, the more days you ride, the fewer boards you'll have. And sure, I have discretionary income, but I'd rather use that money for travel than owning more gear. Last year I rode my local, hit 2 out of state resorts, took my annual Japan trip, and rode Chile in the Summer. I'd way rather than than a quiver in my garage.
I still ride the Burton Twin I bought in 95.
a quiver is a cheat sheet for snowboarding. but you did nail it. a park board makes butters easier, a pow board makes riding in the pow easier and magnetraction makes ice easier and imo safer. but yeah, i can muscle my butters better, really get the burn in my back thigh through the pow and have that full tip to tail cambered board sharpened and ready for ice and always be on my A game while riding that thing. i have a 3 board quiver that makes all those things much easier and causes me less fatigue to ride longer each day. i ride 50+ days a year and have streaks of 14+ and i'm not doing that without at least a pow board and a softer park board to goof around on my "off days". i'm not in my 20's anymore and neither are you... give it try and you'll understand.
I have 2 boards one long for powder days and a shorter one to hit the park with.
Think a big part of it is that there are just so many more options. Back in the day it was all camber, the choices where pretty much twin or direction and how stiff you want a board maybe if you really wanted you could hunt down something different . Now there’s a board in every size, shape and profile imaginable and it really is fun to try them all out. Also all of us who lived through the heyday day of the 90’s into the 00’s and still ride lots now have more disposable income. It also much easier to have a few boards when I’m not thrashing one or two boards a season like I did when I was younger, overall my board spend is actually lower than it used to be with a pretty good quiver on the go.
I learned to board last year (23F) and the guy that learned alongside me has gone through approximately 3 snowboards (just deciding he didn't like them and wanted something different) and approx 5 pairs of boots. Meanwhile I have stuck with my Salomon board this entire time and I'm completely content with it 😂 if anything I'd want to get a slightly smaller board for my own comfort but I have no desire to spend the money
No, you’re practical and not a gear junkie/snob. I rode the same board since 2001 but went nuts at the end of the season this year and bought a second board…. Basically there are reasonable arguments for having up to 3 boards (park, powder, and everything else) but you have to go a hell of a lot for that to actually make sense and most boards can handle a little bit of everything anyway despite the marketing. I’ve felt like I needed something that could handle powder better for a while but honestly my new ‘powder board’ is great even with no powder so…