are new boards worth the money? i always go with used boards for around $300. are boards that go for $700/800/$900 worth dishing out the dough? - last year in Puerto i broke 2 boards in one day(not from ditching them) i couldnt image how mad id be if i spent that kind of loot on em'
Recently I've been buying used boards. For 200-300 a used-board, it is a great way to expand your quiver. Not to mention, find dimensions that work for you. There is nothing worse then buying a 700 firewire/merrick, only to find out you would have liked a board with more volume, length, width, etc. Now that I know exactly what works for me, and I have a decent quiver, I have ordered a custom shape. I found out finding a board off the rack in the dimensions that I want is rare.
It's all relative. How much money do you have? How much do you want "that" board? Personally, I think there are plenty of great used boards available that you really never need to buy a new one, unless the answer to the first two questions are "a whole lot." However, if you know what dims work for you, and you know exactly what you want, and you find that perfect board on the rack, go for it. Boards that are $700 and up are generally designed by superior board builders, with quality materials. Maybe machine shaped, but designed by somebody who knows surfboards better than most pro shapers. Still, there's no guarantee that that "perfect board" will be magic. But that's the chance you take with any board, even custom shapes.
One great thing about a used board is if you take care of it, it costs you almost nothing if you dont like it. Buy a decent used board for $250 this summer, ride it all year, keep it in decent shape and its an easy sell for $175 next summer if its not for you. Some used boards can be sold a year (and a lot of use) later for as much as you paid for them. The $700 new board is probably hard to sell for $400 next summer, even if well kept.
Two of my favorite boards right now were purchased used. I also own a firewire, which I bought brand new. I do like the board, but I paid so much for it I am constantly afraid of breaking it so I don't really ride it in the stuff I should probably be riding it in.
I have bought most of my Boards used I got my 2 Bings for 1300 dollars . That was a steal cause the one goes for 1400 new and was only riden a hand full of times . I picked up my Legend Epoxy Quad for 260 and was in near mint shape. You just gotta look around you can find some really good deal. Also if you wanna expand your Quiver liek mentioned its a great and cheaper way too. Another thing is if your just starting out used boards are the way to go . You can be rough with them and not feel as guilty or figure out whats right for you .
Who drops that much $$ on a firewire and never rides it? Kook! But seriously, there are some great deals out there on good condition used boards. All my boards are used, from my beater board to my step up board.
