Skiing/Snowboarding related questions

[Mint]

Hi All,

1. I'm looking to set up a skiing/snowboarding trip for my b-day near the end of december and was wondering which ski resort near Toronto is recommended. I was also wondering if there's any discounts if you have like 10-15 people going.

2. I'm considering going snowboarding for the first time as well. I hear rental is pretty expensive (~$40/day). I was wondering if it would make sense to buy some used equipment. I would expect to atleast go a few more times; however, that can't be said with certainty as I could suck big time and hate it :)

Any comments/tips?

[curtis]

Whenabouts? If you go within December, you'll have to go North - Mount St. Louis/Snow Valley aren't too bad for beginners.

Group rates usually apply when you have a group of 20-25.

I wouldn't buy a snowboard for your first trip. The rental tech will set you up.

Hi All,

1. I'm looking to set up a skiing/snowboarding trip for my b-day today and was wondering which ski resort near Toronto is recommended. I was also wondering if there's any discounts if you have like 10-15 people going.

2. I'm considering going snowboarding for the first time as well. I hear rental is pretty expensive (~$40/day). I was wondering if it would make sense to buy some used equipment. I would expect to atleast go a few more times; however, that can't be said with certainty as I could suck big time and hate it :)

Any comments/tips?

[M.D.]

you will love snowboarding and you will love the pain.
go to blue mountain, its the closest skit resort around.

[lost~user]

If you're just going to start out, I'd say skip the tows and head straight for the green hills. I wish someone taught me to board starting with the green hills instead of the bunnies. About your first time... in boarding you have to take control of your board, or else you're gonna lose balance quite easily. Blue Mountain is definitely a blast as it's a real resort compared to the smaller places like Horseshoe or Mt. St. Louis Moonstone. I know for sure Blue has a discount rate for 10 - 15 people. I'd say go with two of the townhouse style buildings if you have 15 ppl...

Hey before I start off, you need to know that learning snowboarding takes time and patience.. and can get quite painful. First you'll need to have the right clothes, specifically a good outer layer to keep you warm and dry. It is imperative that you have a waterproof pair of snowpants as you'll be spending most of your time on you butt... and under these snowpants you should have knee pads to keep your knees from bruising... trust me.. you and your knees will thank me for wearing them. Make sure you have a decent pair of gloves, or else they might rip on your first fall and your gloves are gonna be soaking for the rest of the day! I don't recommend wearing that much, for me 2 layers is more then enough to keep me warm. Usually it's scrubs and snowpants. And under my board jacket is a t-shirt... and sometimes a hoodie depending how cold it is. Everything else is a bonus, helmet, goggles, etc...

Now that we've establish the softgoods, we can move on to the hardgoods aka equipment. I dunno how much you know about board, bindings and boots, but @ Blue, rentals are the Step-in system. The Step-ins are bindings lock your boots into place, where as the more traditional strap bindings require you to manually strap on your bindings. The thing is.... steps-ins require specific step-in boots, while traditional strap bindings are pretty much compatible with every boot out there. There's also Flow bindings which has pretty much the best of both worlds but they're kinda heavy bindings until you get into the expensive high end Flow bindings. Here's a few pictures below of these systems:

_____Step-IN Bindings:_________Strap ON Bindings:________________Flow Bindings:
_____http://www.summitsportsinc.com/online/guides/binding2.jpg_____http://www.summitsportsinc.com/online/guides/binding1.jpg_____http://www.summitsportsinc.com/online/guides/binding3.jpg
For more info on bindings check it out here (http://www.summitsportsinc.com/online/guides/snowboard-binding-guide.html).

Now, I say the most important thing right now is to buy a good pair of boots. Because you'll be on your boots the whole day, and the way they fit it will affect how well you board. The fit of the boot has to be smaller then your regular shoe. You foot must be snug in place, any gaps will tire out your foot and hence making your boarding experience less likable. So when you have decided on a pair of boots, we need to determine the size of the snowboard. In the past most people have gone with the height of the rider, anywhere from their chin to their nose... but now it's been changed to the weight of the rider, i.e. your weight. This link (http://www.snowboardlengthcalculator.com/) will help you calculate the length your board depending on your weight, height and skill level. Once done you see on the left hand side three styles of boarding, which are Freestyle, Freeride, and Back Country. Freestyle is mainly for people who like to ride in terrain parks, doing jumps and riding rails.. I definitely don't recommend that on your first time. Then there's Freeride, which will be the category that you'll fit into as you'll be learning to carve. Go with that length of a board. Back Country is for those who likes to ride in deep powder snow, unpaved places.

Now it IS a smart idea to buy used equipment but you have to already know that you're gonna like this sport, and stick to it no matter how painful it gets. Just a warning if you haven't been looking at prices for everything.. it gets pretty expensive especially if you get into this sport. It's hard to start, but once you get the hang of it there's no other sport quite like it and you'll understand why people love this it soo much. Now, there's plenty of people selling used gear throughout the GTA, two places to start looking are Craigslist (http://toronto.craigslist.org/spo/), and Kijiji (http://toronto.kijiji.ca/f-buy-and-sell-sports-bikes-W0QQCatIdZ111).

Now with all that being said... I hope there's enough here to help you out. I wish someone told me all this when I started... Anyways, don't give up and keep trying... and before u know it... you'll be flying down the hill.... if you wanna read up on how to snowboard, here's a link (http://www.mystead.com/learn-snowboarding.html).


Hi All,

1. I'm looking to set up a skiing/snowboarding trip for my b-day near the end of december and was wondering which ski resort near Toronto is recommended. I was also wondering if there's any discounts if you have like 10-15 people going.

2. I'm considering going snowboarding for the first time as well. I hear rental is pretty expensive (~$40/day). I was wondering if it would make sense to buy some used equipment. I would expect to atleast go a few more times; however, that can't be said with certainty as I could suck big time and hate it :)

Any comments/tips?

[Demon_Twinz]

great advice


one correction .. i think blue has strap on bindings rentals .. but at the blue hill area ... near P2 parking ...

[lost~user]

great advice


one correction .. i think blue has strap on bindings rentals .. but at the blue hill area ... near P2 parking ...

you wouldn't believe how much I spent writing this up... I hope the OP had the time to read it all!

[Spongeboy]

great advice


one correction .. i think blue has strap on bindings rentals .. but at the blue hill area ... near P2 parking ...

Yeah, Blue has rachet bindings for their rentals. I think it's a Burton LTR board that comes along with it, not too bad for a beginner.

Totally agree with lost~user, wish someone had gave me the scoop on learning to snowboard. A lengthier than avg post, but well worth the read!

[Demon_Twinz]

ya great stuff lost .. i just the calculator .. cuz i'm buying my bro his first setup this year


you think he should get a brand new LAMAR set? or a used Sim's, board, flow bindings, burton boots. ... used but in good condition


i told him to get the better set ... it might be used but it'll last him longer and he'll enjoy it more

[lost~user]

ya great stuff lost .. i just the calculator .. cuz i'm buying my bro his first setup this year


you think he should get a brand new LAMAR set? or a used Sim's, board, flow bindings, burton boots. ... used but in good condition


i told him to get the better set ... it might be used but it'll last him longer and he'll enjoy it more

yea, I'd completely stay away from Lamar..... their brand just can't be trusted anymore... I think it's better to buy used beginner stuff... at least u already know someone already learned to progress on it. But Flow Bindings.. I think ur brother should go through a year of straps ons before he can truly appreciate flow bindings! :lol: but that's just me... oh.. get your lil bro knee pads!

[Mint]

you wouldn't believe how much I spent writing this up... I hope the OP had the rime to read it all!

Hey lost`user, thanks for the great post. Very informative. I don't know if I'll be loving it, but with the price of rental equipment, the RFD approach would be to buy some used stuff first.

Possibly a used board and bindings, and a new pair of boots?

[lost~user]

Hey lost`user, thanks for the great post. Very informative. I don't know if I'll be loving it, but with the price of rental equipment, the RFD approach would be to buy some used stuff first.

Possibly a used board and bindings, and a new pair of boots?

My gf is trying out snowboarding this season and that's what happened. New Boots, and used bindings and board. the boots were the most expensive @ $200, the board and bindings came out to $150. I bought her a 5 X 7 pass @ Blue, so if we go 8 - 9 times she's already made her $$$ back from rentals... not to mention the amount saved on buying life tickets....

[DB8]

Hey "Lost User".........seems like you know alot about boarding.....anyway, i am looking for all new gear this year, know of any good deal that i can score? i am fine with a 06 gear, looking for a freeride board with a twist of freestyle......thought about the Option Mendenhall, Atomic Alibi, Ride DH or something along these lines..........and somesort of BOA boots and a Flow binding........

do people at shops get good discount on gears, just wondering???

Thanks in advance

[Spongeboy]

Hey "Lost User".........seems like you know alot about boarding.....anyway, i am looking for all new gear this year, know of any good deal that i can score? i am fine with a 06 gear, looking for a freeride board with a twist of freestyle......thought about the Option Mendenhall, Atomic Alibi, Ride DH or something along these lines..........and somesort of BOA boots and a Flow binding........

do people at shops get good discount on gears, just wondering???

Thanks in advance

There was a pretty decent deal for an '06 Atomic Alibi at the BoardRoomShop's online store, free shipping to Ontario and pay only the GST. They're based in BC. Don't know what length you're looking for, but last time I checked (several weeks ago), there was still a decent selection.

http://www.boardroomshop.com

[lost~user]

There was a pretty decent deal for an '06 Atomic Alibi at the BoardRoomShop's online store, free shipping to Ontario and pay only the GST. They're based in BC. Don't know what length you're looking for, but last time I checked (several weeks ago), there was still a decent selection.

http://www.boardroomshop.com

Looks like Spongeboy found a pretty good deal on things already. The Alibi is one hell of a board.. I would love to own one. I personally don't like Option boards b/c I think they're all just for looks.. kinda like the Forum boards.... with that said, I'm sure those companies make great boards, just not my cup of tea... I also like Ride, and I've heard some pretty good things about the DH. Looks like you're going into buying intermediate - pro boards. Out of the three, I've only ridden the Alibi, and I that is an awesome board.

BOA boots + Flow Bindings = Lazy man :lol:. I had the exact same idea as you this year, but after trying the BOA boots, I decided to go with the Burton Speed Zone lacing system. I find the BOA boots fragile... and I can't really tighten one area tighter then the other.. hence I went with Burton's style. They're better then laces still.... Ride also came up with a new Speed Lace System that you might want to check out as well. Personally it's comfort, and as long as the boot fits well, it's gonna improve your ride. To help you out:

Burton Speed Zone Boots: SL-9, Ion, Driver X, Ruler, Moto
Ride Speed Lace Boots: Anthem, Haze

I can't tell you too much about Flow, as this is the first year that I own a pair... damn nice too! NXT FS's! From what I heard about older flow bindings is that they're pretty heaving compared to their strap counterparts. Then again, you do pay for getting your boot in much faster then everyone else on the ground. as long as there's no heal or toe drag, I think this set-up with the Alibi is HOT!!!

[DB8]

Thanks a lot for the info, actually i did found the Alibi at Broadroomshop, but its not my length, i need something in the mid 150 range, my previous board is a 154, so for a freestyle board, i can go a little tiny bit shorter.........

is there any other Canada base online store other than "Board Zone" and "Boardroomshop"??? i know its cheaper in US. but after shipping/brokeage, i guess it be the same or even more $$$........

and "Lost-User", yeah, trying to go to the "Lazy" side, i actually tried on a pair of the Burton "Moto" with the speed lace, felt okay, but i am so set on the BOA, i read so much good thing about the Vans BOA boots, but its very $$$............so will see what kind of deal i can score, i might just wait for boxing day sale or something..........

Thanks again.....

[lost~user]

^^^ As long as your feet are comfortable with them I think u should be fine. I tired the 07 Flow Spitfire with the BOA system. I didn't find the ankle tightening to the tension that I wanted. Anyway, Van boots are not for beginners so it's good for your skill level. I haven't tried their boots, but from the reviews that I've read online, they're pretty good. I also look at these places for snowboarding stuff, they're in the GTA but there's no purchases online:

1.The Sign of the Skier (http://www.thesignoftheskier.com/2_Boards/boards.html)
2.Corbett Sports (http://www.corbetts.com/)
3.Sporting Life (http://www.sportinglife.ca/dyn/index.asp?page=snowboard)
4.Board Sports (http://www.boardsports.ca/)
5.Hogtown Extreme (http://www.hogtownextreme.com/)
6.Skiis & Bikes (http://www.skiisandbiikes.com/)

U can call all of these places to see if they have what u want in stock. Good luck and happy hunting!

[Mint]

Hi Lost~user,

Would it be reasonable to find a new boot for sub $100. I'm not looking for anything fancy, just something decent as I only anticipate going 2-3 times this year.

And it would it be difficult to find a binding that matches the boot? From your post, the strapon's would work with most boots.

[lost~user]

Hi Lost~user,

Would it be reasonable to find a new boot for sub $100. I'm not looking for anything fancy, just something decent as I only anticipate going 2-3 times this year.

And it would it be difficult to find a binding that matches the boot? From your post, the strapon's would work with most boots.

Hey, I recommend that you try on every pair of boots that you can. As long as your foot fits right. However, if you do find a pair of boots that ARE comfortable for sub $100 get it. So, buy a pair that fits your foot and if you really like the sport you can always upgrade. :D

[herakles]

1. I'm looking to set up a skiing/snowboarding trip for my b-day near the end of december and was wondering which ski resort near Toronto is recommended. I was also wondering if there's any discounts if you have like 10-15 people going.

just for beginners.. if price matters i'd go for hockley since it's only 10 bucks for the bunnyhill, otherwise, the bunnyhill at horseshoe isn't bad either.


2. I'm considering going snowboarding for the first time as well. I hear rental is pretty expensive (~$40/day). I was wondering if it would make sense to buy some used equipment. I would expect to atleast go a few more times; however, that can't be said with certainty as I could suck big time and hate it

I only skimmed through the first page, however, if you're a beginner and you're only going a few times don't get an alibi. I used to own one and it's definitely the best board i've owned, but you sound like you're not even sure you'll stick with it. I'd recommend something much softer/cheaper to help you learn to carve/turn.. the gnu carbon high beam isn't bad, hell you could get a completely ****** and used board (what my friend did) and learn on it. The alibi would be great if you're committed and it works out much better after you progress past the beginner stage.

Anyway, if you decide to bite the bullet and give your soul to the sport...I'd recommend:

Jibbing and park : rome agent, atomic hatchet or salomon prospect
all mountain freeride: rome anthem
all mountain freestyle: atomic alibi


For bindings.. I'd recommend the rome arsenals, great for all mountain riding.. or the ride spi's although I felt the toe cap stunk and the ratchets would stick alot of the time I tried to unlatch.

No one can or should recommend what specific boot for you to wear. Just get the most comfortable boot you can find. Make sure your toes just touch liner, you have no heel lift, and that your boots will pack out. i made the mistake of buying my fargos off ebay because no one sells vans around T.O. They hurt my feet so much because i have wide ass feet.. i'm hoping they pack out a bit this season.
Anyway, some quality brands are: Vans, Thirtytwo, DC, Salomon, Burton

I'd stay away from burton cause they overprice their stuff you can get the same quality and performance from another company for half the price. But if you find Burton boots fit you best go for it.

If I were you, i would rent for this season.. cause by the 4th or 5th time you hit the hills, you'll prolly know whether or not you want to make the commitment.



my first setup

Option redline 154 snowboard: I like option, the redline was perfect to learn on.. it took longer than my friend who had the GNU CHB, but I could hit blacks more aggressively than him when we got off the bunny/blue runs. Dampness factor sucked ass when I bulked upto 180lbs but that was expected.
Technine MFM bindings: good binding very comfy, crappy ratchets came loose, capstrap rod up on my boot..
DC Phase boots: good for wide ass feet, loved the flex on them, hate the laces though.



second setup

Atomic alibi 159: Fast fun board, did what i wanted it to do good pop and all.
Ride Spi bindings: very light bindings, comfy, adjustability owns, the toe cap rode up, ratchets got stuck
Vans Fargo Boa boots: comfy when it isn't tightened at all...my own damn fault tho.. can't really say much more

This season (haven't tried it yet)
Salomon prospect 153
Rome Arsenals
Vans Fargo Boa

[herakles]

Anyway, Van boots are not for beginners so it's good for your skill level.


hmm sorry but Vans are not for beginners? There are no beginner / advanced rider boots. There are only stiff / flexy boots, generally beginners would want a boot with more forgiving flex, which vans provides in their lineup.

[Mint]

Do the ski resorts usually have deals/specials that pop up? or is the lift/rentals fees pretty fixed?

[kamu]

Do the ski resorts usually have deals/specials that pop up? or is the lift/rentals fees pretty fixed?

If you are referring to the prime season (dec 23 - jan2) then i would say yes, they are pretty much fixed. I am bringing a group of 20 people and they only offered me $7 off on the lift tickets :(

They do have a number of events coming up over the next few months during which they sell lift tickets at discounted prices (the university/college reading week special for example)

[lost~user]

hmm sorry but Vans are not for beginners? There are no beginner / advanced rider boots. There are only stiff / flexy boots, generally beginners would want a boot with more forgiving flex, which vans provides in their lineup.

Well.... when people talk about basic to advanced boots, it IS about stiffness of the boot.... but what do I know right?

[curtis]

Stiffness isn't everything.

Whether your racing, in the park, injured, your weight, etc... all factor in as well.

Well.... when people talk about basic to advanced boots, it IS about stiffness of the boot.... but what do I know right?

[herakles]

Well.... when people talk about basic to advanced boots, it IS about stiffness of the boot.... but what do I know right?

Right... and your original statement was vans is only for advanced riders, how is that so? They have the Mantra which is almost as flexy as my Phases, they also have a bunch of other soft boots in their line (mantra, hi-standard, encore, DK IV).

And as the last post pointed out, it's all about your riding style as well and personal preferences. A boot with forgiving flex COULD help a new rider but if all stiff boots were for advanced riders, do you think a rider like shaun white or MFM are rocking ultra stiff non flexible boots out in the park? Hell, my friend tears double blacks with ease and he's rocking a pair of 32 lashed. Another buddy learned on some medium-stiff boots and he learned how to carve faster than me, in fact, he bought some contras (stiff ass boots) last season and wants to switch back to his old boots. I also prefer my phases over the stiffer when I freeride.... If only the phase came with the boa system I would be all over it.

[Mint]

Just got a response from Blue Mountain and they said that they can only do group rates of 20+ people. i think the max I'll get is 15-17. This kinda sucks, and skiing/boarding is pretty dam expensive.

[herakles]

Just got a response from Blue Mountain and they said that they can only do group rates of 20+ people. i think the max I'll get is 15-17. This kinda sucks, and skiing/boarding is pretty dam expensive.

are they all beginners? if so.. IMO maybe you should consider other hills. If all you're doing is hanging around the bunnyhills or green runs, it would be cheaper to hit hockley or horseshoe... u could even hit up MSLM cause they're less packed than blue.

just checked for you... lakeridge/dagmar only requires 15 people so you could check them out.

http://www.skidagmar.com/
http://www.ski-lakeridge.com/

[M.D.]

Greyhound bus from Toronto to Blue Mountain rates have been doubled?
Didn't it used to be around $35? now its $70! :mad:

[kamu]

Since we are on the topic of boarding, is it possible to wear contacts while boarding? I don't want to wear glasses but i would imagine that contacts would dry up really fast up there?

[SwooshICE]

Since we are on the topic of boarding, is it possible to wear contacts while boarding? I don't want to wear glasses but i would imagine that contacts would dry up really fast up there?

wear contacts inside googles
its a lot safer :)

[herakles]

Since we are on the topic of boarding, is it possible to wear contacts while boarding? I don't want to wear glasses but i would imagine that contacts would dry up really fast up there?

my friend uses contacts and he has no problem. They dried up at first but then he switched to Oasys contacts. One of my other buddies uses Smith OTG (over the glasses) goggles. I tried them on with some sunglasses and I was surprised by how comfy they were, the goggles didn't pinch the frame either. I actually found them comfier than my Wisdoms so I bought a pair off ebay.


http://www.sporteyes.com/smith%20spectra%20otg.jpg

[Kieraw]

So what are all the snowboarding related gear that you need besides waterproof layer/clothing.

Snowboard
Bindings
Boots

Is that it? Also could anyone give me a median price for some of these items... I was looking around and Sportchek has boards that range from $100-500, not sure about bindings and boots. Thanks.

[el_diablo007]

entry level stuff is around $400 not incl. tax for everything (boots, bindings, board). top end gear is around $1000.

[herakles]

So what are all the snowboarding related gear that you need besides waterproof layer/clothing.

Snowboard
Bindings
Boots

Is that it? Also could anyone give me a median price for some of these items... I was looking around and Sportchek has boards that range from $100-500, not sure about bindings and boots. Thanks.

Snowboard
bindings
boots
snowboard pants
decent jacket/ gloves

that's pretty much a basic set. you can also add goggles, a helmet, some boarding socks, wax, scraper, iron too. Most stores.. if you buy a full setup they'll give you a deal or throw stuff in.
I wouldn't buy from sportchek.. that's just me (last time i checked they only stocked firefly bleh). I'd personally buy my pieces off ebay, my full set up cost me

320 board
180 bindings
200 boots

so $700 and my setup is pretty nice: salomon prospect, rome arsenals, vans fargo.. substitue the 320 with 380 and i'd have the atomic alibi instead. You could also buy last seasons gear (new) for a greatly reduced price. In contrast when I first started out my setup cost:

370 board
215 bindings
150 boots

[DB8]

I'd personally buy my pieces off ebay, my full set up cost me

320 board
180 bindings
200 boots

so $700 and my setup is pretty nice: salomon prospect, rome arsenals, vans fargo..

wow.......that's pretty cheap prices.....consider these are all Canadian dollars

how are the taxes/shipping???
i am looking at the arsenals and Vans DKIV as well............can't seem to find good deals on those though....

[herakles]

wow.......that's pretty cheap prices.....consider these are all Canadian dollars

how are the taxes/shipping???
i am looking at the arsenals and Vans DKIV as well............can't seem to find good deals on those though....


taxes/shipping is included, I had the sellers mark the prices down so I wasn't charge a thing on my board, barely anything on the bindings.. and the boots.. well i was charged and extra $50. The arsenals I got were great, 1 week shipping from west coast, marked down alot, valid warranty from an official store... anyway the place I bought them is

daddiesboardshop.com

The owner Melanie provides great communication through emails and she only charges $20 for shipping.

[Demon_Twinz]

i'd recommend boardzone.ca they check out the snow clearance ... they have 40-60% off from last years prices ... great starter set ... or get their snowboard package $250 board/binding $330 board/binding/boots great for beginners

[lost~user]

taxes/shipping is included, I had the sellers mark the prices down so I wasn't charge a thing on my board, barely anything on the bindings.. and the boots.. well i was charged and extra $50. The arsenals I got were great, 1 week shipping from west coast, marked down alot, valid warranty from an official store... anyway the place I bought them is

daddiesboardshop.com

The owner Melanie provides great communication through emails and she only charges $20 for shipping.

good find herakles, I looked at their sight... and their Flow Team bindings are cheaper then anywhere else... too bad they still cost an arm and a leg. They don't have alot but what they have it's pretty good.

[herakles]

good find herakles, I looked at their sight... and their Flow Team bindings are cheaper then anywhere else... too bad they still cost an arm and a leg. They don't have alot but what they have it's pretty good.

Ya, daddies is great. They'll only charge you $20 for shipping too.. ontop of that 1 week shipping w/ tracking (west coast to t.o). Their selection is smaller than the larger stores but they stock all the brands I prefer (vans, 686, rome).

[lost~user]

Ya, daddies is great. They'll only charge you $20 for shipping too.. ontop of that 1 week shipping w/ tracking (west coast to t.o). Their selection is smaller than the larger stores but they stock all the brands I prefer (vans, 686, rome).

There's always that place and Ebay... although I find many of the people on Ebay unwilling to ship out of their boarders! (no pun intended)

[DB8]

those pricing is great.........too bad they dont have any 06 clearence items

i am so about to order the Vans DKIV from them, but they dont have my size......

FYI though, i was just doing some research for boards, and found out that Atomic Canada is actually located in Markham(14th / Warden area), Ontario, i wonder if there's any chance we can buy directly from them???

i wouldn't mind a cheap Hatchet or Alibi.........anyone got details on this???

[lost~user]

those pricing is great.........too bad they dont have any 06 clearence items

i am so about to order the Vans DKIV from them, but they dont have my size......

FYI though, i was just doing some research for boards, and found out that Atomic Canada is actually located in Markham(14th / Warden area), Ontario, i wonder if there's any chance we can buy directly from them???

i wouldn't mind a cheap Hatchet or Alibi.........anyone got details on this???

what's their #? And office hours? I think it would be great if we CAN talk to Atomic directly, instead of having all these 3rd parties to deal with.

[DB8]

http://www.atomiccanada.com/

[Kieraw]

ATOMIC SPORTS CANADA
2700 14th Avenue
Markham, Ontario, L3R 0J1
Tel: 001 905 470 9966
Fax: 001 905 470 7356
info@ATOMICcanada.com

[thesnowfox]

Some great tips on buying equipment and where to ride here but I've got to add this: TAKE A LESSON! Maybe I'm biased because I'm an instructor myself, but if you take a lesson from an experienced instructor they will provide you with a great technical groundwork, and often will lead you to the best places on the hill to get started. Group lessons are generally easy to arrange, make sure you're getting a CASI (Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors) instructor, try to get someone who's a level 2 (at least!).

A lesson is definetly worth the money. For beginners not sure if you want to make the investment in equipment yet, most hills have beginner packages that include a rental, lift ticket (though often only to the beginner lifts) and a lesson all in one.

[raptorfan]

my son wants Flow AMP 5 or 9's and i haven't been successful on Ebay. I checked out daddies, and here's their current prices. Are these good factoring in shipping & exchange, or should i wait until boxing day and try somewhere in the GTA?
http://www.daddiesboardshop.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=51

Also, he wears a men size 7 but will be a larger boot for sure next year. Do i get a medium or large binding?

I have now missed delivery for xmas trying to win several times thru ebay, it's hard to be competitive with high shipping costs. :(

[herakles]

my son wants Flow AMP 5 or 9's and i haven't been successful on Ebay. I checked out daddies, and here's their current prices. Are these good factoring in shipping & exchange, or should i wait until boxing day and try somewhere in the GTA?
http://www.daddiesboardshop.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=51

Also, he wears a men size 7 but will be a larger boot for sure next year. Do i get a medium or large binding?

I have now missed delivery for xmas trying to win several times thru ebay, it's hard to be competitive with high shipping costs. :(

price is better on daddies, however it isn't a huge difference.. total is 200 CDN off daddies, boardroomshop.com has amp5's for 230+gst and free shipping

http://www.boardroomshop.com/MAIN/show1fproduct.cfm?formkey=061218205939&ProductCode=FLO7608K04&ProdID=2628&Dispgroup=1&CatID=418&CFID=7847344&CFTOKEN=74002378


boardzone has them for 275 (ship / tax)

http://www.boardzone.com/snow/shop/snowboard-bindings/flow/2007-amp-5/index.cfm

my friend wears a size 9 and uses size large flows.

[M.D.]

are flows just as good as the traditional bindings?
because if they are comparable, i will get them next time as my new bindings.

[PsioniC]

Not really sure if this is the right place for this, but I guess its as good as anywhere.

Does anyone know where I can get a decent Snow Skate in the GTA area? I'm looking at a Fortrus or Lamar or and decent plastic model.

I've been looking on the internet put snowskates appear to be a pretty small market and as such there isn't much info available on them and where they are available in Toronto.

[DB8]

Flow are just as good...........only issue with lower end Flow binding is the weight, complaints are usually the Flow binding are too heavy for people's liking......BUT the new NXT series ($300+ binding) are suppose to be VERY VERY good compare to the older one...........

anyway, for the person looking for the Amp5 / Amp9, my suggestion is to look for last year model, i have seen them around local shops here in Toronto, Skis/Bikes have them, Corbett have them, Hog Town have them, usually goes for around $180-$200 for 2006 model..........

Good luck, and as for size of binding.....really depends, try bring your own boot and try on the binding.....

One last thing, Flow dont work TOO WELL with Boa boots as the "Tonge" of the flow binding might hit the "knob" of the Boa boots.........and have a chance of "poping" out the knob and release the boot

hope it helps

[lost~user]

my son wants Flow AMP 5 or 9's and i haven't been successful on Ebay. I checked out daddies, and here's their current prices. Are these good factoring in shipping & exchange, or should i wait until boxing day and try somewhere in the GTA?
http://www.daddiesboardshop.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=51

Also, he wears a men size 7 but will be a larger boot for sure next year. Do i get a medium or large binding?

I have now missed delivery for xmas trying to win several times thru ebay, it's hard to be competitive with high shipping costs. :(

Since you're in the GTA one of the biggest carrier of FLOW bindings can be found @ Boardsports.ca (http://www.boardsports.ca)

[psxp]

Flow are just as good...........only issue with lower end Flow binding is the weight, complaints are usually the Flow binding are too heavy for people's liking......BUT the new NXT series ($300+ binding) are suppose to be VERY VERY good compare to the older one...........


Actually, the other problem with FLOW Bindings are that often people dont have enough forward lean dialed in.. so they always find it hard on heelside.

Also, for advanced riding, the older flows reduce ankle flex in the binding. The newer flows I saw at the ski show try to overcome this with their new design that looks like traditional straps.

cheers

:cool:

[raptorfan]

price is better on daddies, however it isn't a huge difference.. total is 200 CDN off daddies, boardroomshop.com has amp5's for 230+gst and free shipping

http://www.boardroomshop.com/MAIN/show1fproduct.cfm?formkey=061218205939&ProductCode=FLO7608K04&ProdID=2628&Dispgroup=1&CatID=418&CFID=7847344&CFTOKEN=74002378


boardzone has them for 275 (ship / tax)

http://www.boardzone.com/snow/shop/snowboard-bindings/flow/2007-amp-5/index.cfm

my friend wears a size 9 and uses size large flows.

thanks...ok here's what i have for the AMP9's (incase anyone is looking!)
Hogtown $224 + tax
Boardsports $259 + tax
Daddies w/shipping & conversion to Cdn $220 (but there may be import taxes & shipping time)
Sport Swap $225 + tax
Boardroom $259 + tax
Boardzone $260 + tax

can't find 2006 anywhere (or no one wants to tell me so i buy the 2007 :lol: )

[herakles]

Not really sure if this is the right place for this, but I guess its as good as anywhere.

Does anyone know where I can get a decent Snow Skate in the GTA area? I'm looking at a Fortrus or Lamar or and decent plastic model.

I've been looking on the internet put snowskates appear to be a pretty small market and as such there isn't much info available on them and where they are available in Toronto.

It's hard finding them because they don't make them anymore, I think i read a while ago that they were still being produced by smaller companies though (not 100% sure about this). IMO your best bet is ebay..or just call around.

[herakles]

thanks...ok here's what i have for the AMP9's (incase anyone is looking!)
Hogtown $224 + tax
Boardsports $259 + tax
Daddies w/shipping & conversion to Cdn $220 (but there may be import taxes & shipping time)
Sport Swap $225 + tax
Boardroom $259 + tax
Boardzone $260 + tax

can't find 2006 anywhere (or no one wants to tell me so i buy the 2007 :lol: )

daddies charged you more than 20 to ship to Canada? and you can get those taxes down.. talk to melanie, she'll be willing to mark it down so you only get charge like 50 cents tax (brokerage will be 10-12 bucks). However, since it's a christmas gift i would just buy them from hogtown. You can also ask them to throw in something (did this with my mfm bindings and got a free scraper).

[DB8]

Here you go, 06 Model for a cheaper price, the place is in Canada, so taxes/brokeage will not be an issue, hope it helps.............and they have "M"

http://www.boardroomshop.com/MAIN/show1fproduct.cfm?formkey=061220120743&ProductCode=FLO6AM0504&ProdID=2157&Dispgroup=1&CatID=382&CFID=3320974&CFTOKEN=15013848