News
This is one of the most Googled snowboard questions in Australia and one that most retailers dance around because the honest answer involves telling you that some gear is worth spending on and some is not. Here is a straight breakdown — including how to pay less than the prices listed here.
The Three Tiers — What You Actually Get at Each Price Point
Entry Level — $800 to $1,400 total setup
At this price point you are buying gear that works but is built to a budget. Entry level boards have simpler constructions, less refined flex patterns and will feel different to mid-range gear. Entry level boots have less precise liners and less durable outsoles. Bindings at the entry level are functional but have less adjustment range.
This tier is appropriate for: someone trying snowboarding for the first time who is not sure how committed they will be, riders who are growing and expect to replace gear within a season or two, or anyone with a genuinely tight budget.
Board: $400 to $600
Boots: $250 to $350
Bindings: $150 to $250
Total: approximately $800 to $1,200
Our advice at this tier: do not skimp on boots. A $250 boot that fits properly and is heat moulded will outperform a $350 boot that fits badly. Come in and get them fitted properly regardless of price point.
Mid Range — $1,400 to $2,500 total setup
This is where gear starts to feel genuinely good. Mid-range boards have proper construction — quality wood cores, real camber profiles, meaningful flex patterns. Boots at this level have significantly better liners and more durable construction. Bindings are properly adjustable and built to last multiple seasons.
Board: $600 to $900 — Jones Mountain Twin, YES Standard, Burton Custom, Salomon Assassin, K2 Passport
Boots: $350 to $500 — mid-range Burton, Salomon, ThirtyTwo, DC
Bindings: $250 to $400 — Union Contact, Burton Cartel, Salomon Hologram
Total: approximately $1,200 to $1,800
Premium — $2,500 and above total setup
Premium gear is built for riders who know exactly what they want and have specific performance requirements. Top-end boards use premium materials — carbon stringers, Kevlar reinforcement, hand-laid fibreglass. Premium boots have custom-mouldable liners and better impact protection.
Board: $900 to $1,400 — Jones Mind Expander, YES PYL, Burton Family Tree, Lib Tech Orca
Boots: $500 to $700 — top-tier Burton, Salomon, ThirtyTwo
Bindings: $400 to $600 — Union Falcor, Burton Mission or Malavita
Total: $1,800 to $2,700
How to Pay Less Than These Prices
Sale stock: We run sale and clearance sections year-round — previous season colourways, end-of-line models and overstock. New stock with full Australian warranty at reduced prices. Checking our sale section before buying full price is always worth doing.
Promo codes and seasonal discounts: We run promotions around pre-season (May-June), EOFY and Boxing Day. Sign up to our email list for early access.
Price matching: We price match any authorised Australian retailer on identical products. Bring us the lower price — we will match it and you still get the service and expertise that comes with buying from Twelve Board Store.
Shop Current Sale Items · Our Price Match Policy
Buy Once, Buy Right
The most expensive way to buy snowboard gear is to buy cheap gear twice. Our approach: spend twenty minutes understanding how and where you ride, and point you toward gear that will still be the right call in season three. That means sometimes recommending a higher price point than what you walked in expecting. And sometimes it means telling you entry level is genuinely the right call. The advice is free. The heat moulding is free. Come in and we will work it out together.
What About Outerwear?
Entry level jacket and pants: $300 to $500 combined — adequate for occasional use.
Mid range: $500 to $900 combined — the right level for regular Victorian riding. Burton, ThirtyTwo, L1.
Premium: $900 to $1,800 combined — GORE-TEX jackets and pants worth it for week-long overseas trips.
Add $100 to $200 for goggles, $100 to $200 for a helmet, $80 to $150 for gloves and $60 to $100 for thermals.
What Does a Complete First-Timer Setup Cost?
- Board and bindings package: $700 to $900
- Boots (heat moulded in store, free): $300 to $400
- Jacket and pants: $400 to $600
- Helmet: $100 to $150
- Goggles: $100 to $150
- Gloves and thermals: $150 to $200
- Total: approximately $1,750 to $2,400 all in
Where to Spend and Where to Save
Spend on boots. Every time.
Spend on outerwear if you are doing multi-day trips.
Save on bindings at entry level — upgrade when your riding develops.
Save on your first board — upgrade when you know your riding style.
Use our sale section and price match. You should not pay more than the best legitimate Australian price for any product we stock.
Shop Snowboards · Shop Boots · Shop Bindings · Shop Outerwear · Sale Stock · Snowboard Buying Guide
