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with trend setting, Ride offers quality and consistent all mountain boards at reasonable prices ($300-$500). Women should check out Ride's Fever as an all around board ($440) or Burton's Feel Good line ($500-$640).

Outwear
Bright colors and prints are back. There are one-pieces and two-pieces and two-pieces that look like one-pieces. Waterproof rating and warmth is what you're ultimately after, no matter how you look, but that's important too. You get both with companies like 686 and Special Blend who specialize in outerwear. The 686 smarty system provides layers within its pants (men's: $200) and jacket (men's: $250) allowing you to control your temperature and still look cool (or hot!). Volcom's Peace Off Jacket and pants set ($210/$280) offers an outwear set in tie dye print, one of the many unique patterns of the season.

Dakine is still a leader in the glove industry and a good pair of their 2008 hand coverings will cost you about $40. Make sure they aren't too tight or too loose, happy riders have happy hands.

Extras
A tool that doesn't sacrifice performance for lack of bulk, Bakoda's Bentley tool ($35) is compact but functional. Also, a notable and exciting extra comes from DC Shoe Company who had made the DC Radar, a water resistant skate shoe so your feet stay dry even after your boots are off. They run around $80, but your feet will be dry!
Where and when to buy? The best prices are often available off season and through on-line vendors such as The House and Eternal. The disadvantage to buying off season and on-line is the loss of instant gratification and on-line vendors don't let you check out the gear in person, so it's a little risky. So your best bet is to go to your local sporting goods or board shop for a pre-season sale. You support a local business and there is no waiting.
Finally, it's 2008 and you have permission to go person-specific. If you are a child,have your parents buy you kids gear, if you are a woman you no longer are forced to buy a whale of a man's board that makes your leg ache on the lift. Buy the products that were researched and developed for you.

Learn more about this author, E.M. Costello.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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