Snowboarder Consumers' Guide Part 1 I must apologize for I am about to burden you with bucket-loads of stone-cold facts, which is not my preferred style of delivery.

However, for those of you who are in the market for a new set-up, there are some deals here in Japan right now that will quickly dissolve as Jack Frost edges ever closer. So, I wanted you to go out shopping as informed as possible. Keep in mind that this information just grazes the tip of the iceberg when you take into account all that there is to consider in purchasing a set-up.

To help you sift through the virtual truckloads of information, I have split this column into three pieces: The Wise Consumer, which contains general set-up information. The Cattle Prods, which contains brand information including some Japanese brands. Finally, Jimbotcho, which is a bonus guide to the 30+ snowboard shops in Jimbotcho (i.e. Ochanomizu), Tokyo.

Hopefully, after sifting through all this information you will come out with something useful - I certainly have learned a lot by preparing it! At the very least you’ll be older and therefore wiser by default. Happy Shopping!

When I first came to Japan I had a gai-jin friend who confided that she hated how Japanese often complimented foreigners on their chopsticks skills and, how she hated their detailed elaborations about how chopsticks should be used. She told me that she always wanted to just stand up and announce, "Folks, chopsticks are just two godforsaken pieces of wood! How hard can they possibly be!?"

I think she brought up a valid point that can be used when purchasing a snowboard. Professionals and manufacturers can argue into the wee hours of the night over countless minor points that go into making a "perfect snowboard." However, in the end, isn’t it just as valid to say that a snowboard is "just a godforsaken piece of wood?" I’m not advising that you shave down your ironing board and head for Niseko - though I would pay to see it - but, I believe that just about any snowboard you buy, especially as a beginner, will give you at least a couple of years of fun in the snow, regardless of price.

My first board, Old Bessie, is a perfect example. She was too old, too short, and just too asymmetrically goofy according to the pros but, at 3000 yen I just couldn’t pass it up. The result: I fell in love with snowboarding and used her for 2 years, after which I lent her to a friend who also fell in love with the sport. Old Bessie was like a missionary preaching the word of truth! Mother Theresa also was too old, too short, and… Yes, some boards are better than others but, only a poor carpenter blames his tools.

For first-time buyers it is crucial to be able to make the distinction between the different snowboarding styles.

Alpine – Alpine snowboarding refers to long, high-speed, carving runs that closely resembles slalom skiing. Built for speed, the rigid equipment that is required for Alpine boarding leaves little room for tricks.

Freestyle – Freestyle snowboarding refers to doing skateboard like tricks in the pipes, on the rails, and off the jumps. Freestyle equipment is built for agility and comfort, which affects its use on speedy runs.

Freeride – Freeride snowboarding combines Alpine’s long speedy carves, Freestyle’s jumps and tricks, as well as an off-piste jaunt through the powder whenever possible. Freeriding is what most of us imagine when we think of snowboarding. This equipment is sturdy enough to provide stability at high speeds but not so rigid as to prevent a trip to the half pipe. Unless you intend to focus on just Alpine or just Freestyle, I would suggest a Freeride set-up.

BOOTS
I know, all the glory associated with purchasing a new set-up is focused on the sexy boards but, believe it or not, the boots should actually be considered first. Boots are the first contact with your feet, which control the board, and are therefore the most important. Boots must fit as perfectly as possible to make the best out of your set-up. Most shop-keepers I met agreed that, while you will get used to just about any board, painful or poorly fitting boots can turn a five-star set-up into a pile of so much carbon-enhanced graphite-coated firewood. Finally, it is important to pick your boots first because only certain bindings will match the boots properly.

Types of Boots
Freestyle and Freeride boarders use a soft boot, which is one of the major draws of snowboarding seeing as how ski boots are about as comfortable as Stalag 19. Step-in bindings that have no leg support require special boots that have hard backs. Alpine snowboarders use a hard boot that resembles a ski boot - blechhh.

Suggestions for a good pair of boots:
Snug fit –Your foot should have a snug fit so that you can’t lift your heel independently of the boot. The less snug the boot fits, the greater the decrease in your control and the greater the increase in your hospital bills.

Comfort – Comfortable boots can make a long day of snowboarding seem like a walk in the park. No boots are going to feel like your bedroom slippers but, try on a few pairs and you’ll feel a difference. Focus on the comfort of your toes, heels, sides, and calf muscles.

Foam liners – Foam liners within the boots mold to your feet over the course of the season making for a perfect fit. Inner laces on the liners will also help you to ensure a snug fit.

Round toes. One shop owner mentioned that you should find boots that are rounded above the toes so that there is room to clench your toes freely. This simply adds to your overall control and comfort.

Personally, I have Vans with lace-up foam liners. They were a little stiff at the beginning of the season but now they fit so beautifully that it takes me 20 minutes to get out of them.

Bindings manufacturers have been enjoying the challenge that this interesting piece of equipment poses. While soft comfortable boots may be one of the large draws of snowboarding, the of idea taking your foot in and out of the binding for every run can be a turn off for those of questionable loyalty. Know, however, that many advances have decreased the actual adjustment time drastically.

Types of Bindings
Strap Bindings – The traditional form of bindings strap your feet to the board against a high back brace. They are said to be the most stable and controllable, but require you to strap in and out for every ride on the lift.

Step-in Bindings – Designed to eliminate hassles with strapping in, there are many types of step-in bindings. Some latch at the toe and heel, some at the sides of the feet. While convenient, step-ins are not believed to be as snug or reliable as a conventional strap-in binding.

Alpine Bindings – These bindings work like step-ins with stiff alpine boots.

Flow Bindings. Somewhere in the middle of the step-in / strap-in debate is the Flow binding. You sort of slip into these and close the back around your foot. Fairly new, these bindings get good reviews because you only adjust them once a season.

Fit - Bring your boots with you for a binding purchase. If your boot moves around in the binding, that much control of your board is lost. The less space between the binding and the boots the better - this is especially important in the heel cup of the binding and the sides of the bindings near the ball of the foot. If you can get a finger in between the boots and bindings, the fit is absolutely no good. Of course, you shouldn’t have to squeeze your boots into the bindings either.

Ratchet System – If you buy strap-ins, get the thumb-ratchet straps. I think all strap-ins are build this way now.

Loud Click – If you buy step-ins, you want to have a nice solid ‘click’ or some visible confirmation that you are locked in.

Hardware – Boards and bindings have various hardware settings. Make sure the screw holes on your bindings fit the board you purchase.

Durability – bindings go through a lot. The whole set-up goes down the tubes if the bindings give out. I bought bindings from a store that kept them in a hot humid warehouse all year (Florida – don’t ask.) After two trips, the straps were completely stripped to nothing. I was simply able to replace the straps but I lost a day of snowboarding to a careless retailer.

Personally I strap in because, at the time, it was cheaper. New strap-in bindings have a ratchet system that makes getting in and out very easy so, the extra money spent on step-in bindings and boots seemed excessive. Nothing special, I use Ride Preston LX bindings.

BOARD
I can’t wait any longer to write about this subject and I’m sure you can’t wait to get out there wrap your materialistic fingers around a new board. So much for karma, there’s always next time.

Alpine – These boards tend to be long, sleek, and rigid with a flat tail. They are cut for speed and little else.

Freestyle – The small size and flexibility of these boards lend to their increased agility.

Freeride – These boards come in a wide range of flexibility and length depending on riders’ interests.