Buy or hire?

I'm looking for a new board as the one I was kindly given by a colleague at work is in need of a reasonably costly repair. Before I rush out and buy myself something new and shiny does anybody have any thoughts on whether it is worthwhile buying a new board or just hiring? I'm hoping to do 2-3 weeks this year and already have decent boots and bindings (and skis).

Also, when it comes to new boards, are Burton boards worth the premium they seem to command?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Depends on your level of commitment I guess, but there is nothing like being able to ride your own board on the carpet at home. That's not as daft as it sounds. Having time to play with your boots to get a good fit, figuring out binding angles and stance width can all get a head start at home. Learning how to wax the base and sharpen the edges are part of the fun.

On the other hand, the cost of flying with a board may start to eat into the savings from not having to rent.

Trencher

My mate Crazy Jeff got an ex-hire board from Mayrhofen for 60 Euro which he swears by, taken it away for last 2 seasons and had no problems.

The very first ski holiday we did was an all inclusive holiday, with boot and board hire, a weeks lessons and ski pass. The boots were awful, very worn inside, gave me terrible blisters and the boards not much better. Also they were the combination that I dont like, boots with metal pins either side that clamped into board. Not the sort of bindings that you step in and tighten from back. We bought our own for the next holiday.

Take your own in my opinion.

You can 'pimp' it to your tastes, you know its history, you know how it should react as you ride.

As stated earlier, you can also 'carpet' ride with it - not so strange, you can adjust and try diff positions / settings and if you really excited you can even stroke it..... :oops:

Only problem when you have your own is the feeling of dispair when numptys fighting for the lift drag thier battered edges over your board :evil:

This applies to both skiers and boarders.

I think if you are going to go 2-3 times a season, it makes sense to have your own skis/board. There is nothing quite like using your own gear, looking and feeling good about it too. Tino is right however, you dont have swear at people when they go over your tips/tails though!
Yes, carriage costs have gone up, and a regular service will set you back £25-£40 but they are yours, no one elses, and thats kind of special, if you can afford it of course.

i brought some pretty good ski's and boots last year on the bay, totalling about £150 (not bad for head monsters), had 2 weeks use out of them and then sold em back on the bay for £110. 2 weeks ski hire for £40 can't knock that. Plus you have the luxury of knowing how/whether it all fits before the trip.