snowboarding noob

urinal mint · Backside 180 Joined: 20 May 2005 Posts: 1991

Hey all. I went snowboarding in New Mexico in 2003 and 2004. It's been a while. I just booked tix for a trip back in January 2008. I need to buy some new clothes for the trip and had a few questions.

Are the pants that have the shoulder straps(cover all type deal) better than just regular pants? I know I need to get water proof clothing but don't know too much about it when it talks about waterproof rating and breathable rating. I know the higher the better but what's too much?

New Mexico will be cold but how cold? I don't want to burn up but at the same time want to stay warm.

I was looking at these pants: http://www.dogfunk.com/dogfunk/BUR1688/large/c11/s41/Burton-Phantom-Pant-Mens.html?swatch=PPSAH

and this jacket: http://www.dogfunk.com/dogfunk/VLC0638/c11/s20/Volcom-Moodswing-Reversible-Jacket-Mens.html?swatch=TMRGRN

Any advice, tips on clothing? Do expensive oakley googles compared to cheaper googles make a big difference(not looks, I'm talking performance)?

Thanks!

mr robotto · Backside 180 Joined: 05 May 2007 Posts: 1052

i'd say strap for pants, i had to go skiing because my parents didn't pay extra for snowboarding... first time my pants were too big and they fell down and i got snow in em, wasn't fun... the straps couldn't hurt at all

i had em next time and soo much better

Maria · _________________ 01/20/2009. Niko-chan!

Goggles.

You want a snow skirt in your jacket, that's like top priority.

urinal mint · Backside 180 Joined: 20 May 2005 Posts: 1991

Maria, would you care to elaborate on the snow skirt?

ZoSo · Backside 180 Joined: 15 Apr 2005 Posts: 900 City: Winnipeg

It's a little piece of fabric right around the waist section of your jacket that has an elastic around the bottom...it basically closes around you when you zip the jacket up and prevents snow from getting up under your jacket. I'm sure you'd figure it out if you saw one.

Gnarly Dancer 42 · 360 flip Joined: 21 May 2007 Posts: 5121 City: kalamazoo

get some airblaster pants

Maria · _________________ 01/20/2009. Niko-chan!

Also check the water resistance and breathability.

You don't want anything less than 10,000 mm and 10,000 g/sqm and 24hr...

Don't buy thick and bulky clothes, layering is your friend.

labellethrasher · Posted: Oct 05, 2007 12:56 pm Post subject:

electricsnow · cassette Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Posts: 10756 City: Jefferton

airblaster pants are a fashion statement. I love airblaster, but I'd never pump their gear up to be the "best ever."

Urinal mint, I've never been riding in new mexico, so I can't really say what rating is the best for those conditions...I don't even know what the temps are like. Generally, a good waterproof rating is something around 8-10,000mm. If you ride in really wet conditions (like the pacific north west), then you'd want the higher rated, super expensive stuff (15,000-30,000mm). Taped seams are something you can watch for also (as in if they are taped, and if they're fully taped or critically taped). The taping helps waterproof the seam--fully taped means every seam will be sealed. Critical taping means only the major seams will be sealed/taped.

like maria said, breathability will be important too, because it's going to let the moisture from your body evaporate, but it's sort of like a one-way membrane, so the moisture from the outside won't penetrate through the fabric and various waterproofing treatments.

That's about all I can remember on that stuff...high end oakely goggles will be nice (and also expensive--including replacement lenses) because they have spherical lenses, which cuts down on distortion. I dont know about how much they fog up or not, as i've never used them (I'm an electric gal myself). I personally don't think you have to have them though...but the spherical technology is growing. Electric has some models that utilize spherical lenses this season, and spy has been doing that for quite some time as well. I just think an important part to goggles is having the right lense for the right conditions, becuase it sucks when you can't see.

also, I'm a bit disappointed to report that I rock a mild gangsta stee, so I do not go for the coverall look. I personally have nice, loose snowpants and I use a belt. Take that information as you will, but please, use it for good and not evil...

urinal mint · Backside 180 Joined: 20 May 2005 Posts: 1991

electricsnow, let's write a book together.

thanks for the tips. before this thread i was a complete snowboarding noob. i am still a snowboarding noob but at least i know what a few things mean now:D

electricsnow · cassette Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Posts: 10756 City: Jefferton

urinal, let's. [write a book together]

good luck on your purchases....

Gnarly Dancer 42 · 360 flip Joined: 21 May 2007 Posts: 5121 City: kalamazoo

PIRATE · Kickflip Joined: 11 Jul 2006 Posts: 2651

also, get a good pair of gloves, your life will be so much better if your fingers are warm.

Ohh and how could i forget a Necker-chief so that you look like a true Mt.ThUg Rolling Eyes

(dont seriously get one it was a joke, you'll see the jib-rats when your there, and you'll think hahahah pirate is funny)

bmr712 · Posted: Oct 19, 2007 10:10 pm Post subject:

i have pants sumilar good pants. i might look a little more on the jacket. and electric makes good goggles and you get a day and night lense. great goggles!

mr robotto · Backside 180 Joined: 05 May 2007 Posts: 1052

bmr712 · Posted: Oct 20, 2007 10:18 am Post subject: