Linkstew

So, last weekend, I bought a Snowboard. And boots and bindings, of course, but isn't that assumed?

We only made two two stops: First we went to REI, where I started by trying on several pairs of boots without finding anything that was fantastic... None of the clearance stuff fit me very well, and even the non-clearance things that did fit me reasonably (Notably, the Salomon Synapse and the Salomon Dialogue (I'd love to give you links, but the Salomon idiots used flash, so I'm not going to bother)) still pinched my heals. And while those Salomon boots were on sale, they were still moderately expensive.

So we left REI and headed a block down to Destination 1440, which had a much better selection of things snowboard. In addition to their better selection, all of their boots, boards, and bindings were also 40% off.

Basically, we got there at about 6pm on a Saturday night. The store wasn't very busy, so Tom the clerk proceeded to help us for two hours until we departed as the store was closing at about 8:10. So with Tom's help, I picked out a pair of boots, and then a board, and then some bindings.

When I realized that I was going to be buying things there, I realized that I should probably make sure that would they took a check, since I knew my debit card had a spending limit on it. When Tom said that they would take a check, I stopped worrying about it. But then, when I tried to write a check, their system wouldn't accept it. When they called their "merchant verification company," they were told that I couldn't write a check for that amount. So I tried writing a check for half the amount, which triggered the same process, with the same result.

D'oh.

So on a whim, I had them try to use my debit card, and bam, it worked! Rock!

But damn if it didn't suck that by writing a check I caused the exact problem I was trying to avoid. A later call to my bank revealed that my bank account is fine, and it was just Destination 1440's merchant verification system that didn't like me. The Destination 1440 staff, though, was patient with me through this whole mess. It was really horrible. When they had to call in my checks, I was just left standing there feeling like a crook, after they'd spent so long to help me. I was afraid I was going to have to leave without buying anything. But everything worked out okay.

Basically, I highly recommend Destination 1440 if you're ever in the market for a snowboard. Just don't write a check.

Oh, what'd I buy? Well...

• Boots: Burton Driver. These were so much more comfortable than anything else I tried on that it was just kind of obvious. The next Burton model down wasn't as soft, while the next Burton model up was a little too stiff for my tastes. Basically, this boot hit the balance I was looking for. (Um, size 9.5, if you're wondering. Though I can't imagine why you would be.)
• Board: Burton Custom 156. Basically, I deferred to the knowledge of the clerks on this one. Well, one notable point is that this board is bigger than the ones I've been renting -- I've been riding a 152 or 153, so this board is a little larger. Tom suggested that I might have a little trouble turning initially, but said it would probably be better in the long run. I'll have to let you know how it works once I ride it.
• Bindings: Burton Mission. Basically, at this point, the decision was basically made by brand. Well, that and bindings were what they apparently had less selection of. But doesn't it make sense to link a Burton board with Burton boots with Burton bindings?

Basically, I'm a Burton poster boy. Well, below the ankles, at least. It's not like all of my clothing is also Burton. But between everything being 40% off, and them giving me more off the board because of a ding in the base, the price was right, and I'm very excited to try it all out.

Oh, here are some pictures of the stuff I bought, too.