I'm planning on getting some Burton gear, has anyone used their Fusion bindings? Any pros or cons about it? From what I heard its a really nice set of bindings but expensive. Also, I'm still somewhat new to the sport what is a good all around board to pick up? I'm considering the Burton Air Board 165 cm any reviews on that? Thanks for the inputs guys

 

Burton makes good stuff, but so do alot of companies. I am unaware of any company that doesn't sell good stuff, the main thing is to get boots and bindings that fit well and work together, and a board designed for the kind of riding you will be doing. Buy from a dedicated board shop, preferrably, not a ski shop, if you can. The stiffest bindings are better, as they translate your movement to the board better, but I'm no expert. Make sure you get a helmet - nothing is worse than catching your heel edge and smashing your head into the hill at 90mph Weaering a helmet will keep your head warm without overheating, and take a lot of the fear out of going fast.

 

Yup, can't go wrong with the major snowboard manufacturers like Burton, K2, and Salomon. Most people swear the board makes a huge difference, but if you're a good rider, you're good on pretty much anything. Spend the extra money on good quality comfortable boots, and bindings. Nothing is more frustrating than having cheap bindings break on you when you're 1/2 way down the mountain.

Look to spend ~130 for boots, and ~140 for good bindings. With the rest, buy the board that fits your riding style and skill level.

 

I'm not familiar with the Fusion bindings and the Burton Air, but I have a '03 Burton Custom, and it's an excellent all-around board. I highly recommend it. The top sheet chips easily so it looks ugly pretty quickly, but the base is solid and the board is great for all sorts of conditions (both freeride and freestyle). That having been said, the board won't make much of a difference until you start doing more with it. For instance, the flex of the board isn't really a concern until you do jumps and other stuff in the terrain park.

I've personally always liked Drake bindings, but any of the major manufacturers will do. There's the Salomon SPX series, Flows, Drake F-series, and any of the Burtons are fine. I have the '03 Drake F60 right now. Many of the more expensive bindings differ from the cheaper ones only in materials used (i.e. they are lighter or have an extra strap somewhere), and other little features like a highback that is adjustable in more ways. Personally, I've never considered these small differences worth the extra cost. I'd say to buy a set of decent - but not necessarily high end - bindings and spend the money toward boots.

Boots are definitely the single most important piece of gear. Don't skimp on them and don't buy boots that are too big. Buying boots that are too big is probably the most common mistake. I did it, and so did just about everyone else I know. Measure your feet and get the exact size for your feet. Don't simply buy based on what size street shoe you wear. The boots need to fit snug (they will be pretty tight at first) but also comfortable. Boots come in all shapes and sizes, so try on several before deciding. I like Salomon boots myself because they're real easy to lace up. They're also generally stiffer than most other brands, which is good for control. The Salomon Synapse is a pretty good all-around boot. The Dialogue is relatively close, a bit cheaper, and probably a better value overall for most folks.

Have fun! I board every weekend during the winter and can't imagine much that's more fun.

 

Last year i got a Forum pro, 32 team 2 boots-lightest and most comfortable boots ever. and some TechNine bindings.
Im selling my Burton Motion 156 with bindings if your interested? PM if you are
-Sean.