Guide to Buying a Used Splitboard

Let’s face it, buying splitboard gear is expensive. As with any spendy recreation, it’s always thrifty to first consider used gear when growing your backcountry quiver or making the initial commitment to mountain touring. While purchasing used splitboard gear is leaner on your wallet, questions arise regarding the performance, reliability and appropriate sizing…and where the heck to the discounted setup. Read on to discover the pros, cons and guidelines to purchasing used splitboard gear.

Pros of Buying a Used Splitboard

Living the dream, no matter how you look at it, is expensive. Splitboards and splitboard kits are some of the most pricey gear in the snow game. Work less and shred more by purchasing a used splitboard or split set up. Splitboards generally don’t see the daily use and wear-and-tear that an everyday, traditional snowboard endures. You will likely find used splitboards that are in great shape at sweetly discounted prices. Ready to ditch your snowshoes and skin up that mountain for the first time? Not sure what split board shape, size or technology is best for your style? Buying a used splitboard setup is a great way to explore the possibilities of splitboarding without making the financial commitment of about $1000. Pick up your first splitboard used, tour for a season and then you will have a clear of idea of the setup and kit that’s best for your style and size going into next season. You can then confidently shop for your first shiny new splitboard.

Cons of Buying a Used Splitboard

New for 2015! Improved dampening! Lightest splitboard yet! In every new product season, splitboard manufacturers boast new features, technology and materials. Believe the hype. Splitboarding is a new niche and the sport is growing exponentially, as is the technology and design of splitboards. When buying a used splitboard set up, depending on how old the model or kit is, you may be compromising some of the new-and-improved technology. This technology can make or break your touring experience deep in the wilds. Heavy, hard to convert, a sloppy ride…all are traits of splitboarding’s past. When purchasing a used splitboard, research that board and kit’s model year and technology. Be sure you’re not compromising too much to save a buck.

Another downer of purchasing a used splitboard is a limited selection of sizes, board shapes and board flex. Only in the most recent seasons have splitboard brands offered smaller size runs and shape varieties. If you’re a smaller female shredder or craving a freestyle split, you might be hard-pressed to find your preference in the used market. Don’t be discouraged. Our guidelines below can get you one step closer to the pow and one step further from debt.

Where to Buy a Used Splitboard There are endless online and real-life outlets in which to begin your used splitboard search. It’s very important for you to examine the board’s condition so keep this in mind when searching on Ebay or Amazon. These e-stores can offer a wide selection of used gear. Shop with sellers that take detailed and extensive photos, have a good reputation and answer your questions thoroughly. You can find good deals here, just be sure it’s worth the risk and shipping costs. To ease digital buyer’s remorse, scan Craigslist,gear swaps and early-season shop tent sales. You will find greater selection if you begin your search in your region’s mountain towns. For example, if you live in Portland then scan the Bend area for killer deals.

What to Look For

First and foremost, check the board’s physical condition. Scan the edges, sidewalls and base carefully. Scratches are ok, but back away if you find core shots, blown edges, a deeply cracked top sheet or compression through the board’s profile. If your’s buying a complete kit then convert that pow beast from board to split. And again. And again! Be sure that the hardware works smoothly and holds securely.

Finding Your Fit and Size

There is no perfect formula for the exact splitboard size for your preference, riding and touring style. The best part of buying a used splitboard, that is if you trust Mountain Tom that’s selling it to you, is that the seller has actually ridden the set up. Buy from someone you trust and he or she can give you solid insight to the kit’s ease of converting and the board’s ride.

Negotiating Price

Splitboarding is still a small niche. There are not that many buyers, especially used buyers. The ball is in your court. Generally, a used split in good condition and not a vintage model should start at about half it’s original retail price.

Buying a DIY vs Factory Split

We highly recommend that you steer away from a do-it-yourself, a.k.a. homemade, used splitboard. Trusting and knowing your gear is essential to backcountry safety. There’s no way to guarantee the integrity of the stoner’s DIY conversion, unless of course you can get your hands on a DIY split from a respected and honored mountain craftsman.

Happy hunting