How/Where do you buy your wakeboards & boots and why?

Skier's Edge · Newbie Joined: 27 Aug 2012 Posts: 16 City: Indianapolis

Just trying to get an idea of how people buy their wakeboards & boots...

1. Buy from local store without trying it out
2. Buy from local store after trying it out
3. Buy online without trying it out
4. Buy online after trying it out from a local store
5. Other

CincyVLX · Criminal Joined: 18 Jan 2012 Posts: 85 City: Cincinnati

I have done all of the above over the past 15 years (showing my age Sad

)

From my experience, my best purchase was local after trying it out. And if you are a pro shop, which I'm assuming you are, giving your customer the ability to demo the product is extremely valuable to your sales.

I've also gained a lot of knowledge by riding all of my crew's boards when we are out once I'm in the market for a new board.

supermanotorious · Soul Rider Joined: 10 May 2010 Posts: 345 City: Phoenix

EVO.com

Ps205Rider · Outlaw Joined: 14 Jul 2012 Posts: 130

TheHebrewHammer · Addict Joined: 03 Dec 2010 Posts: 526

I buy from Watersports West in Largo, FL because they actually support local riders like myself. They give me opportunities to advance my career and back me up when stuff breaks. And they're great to have around. And I always try before I buy.

HHI Dave · Posted: Sep 25, 2012 7:46 pm Post subject:

There are no local shops with the exception of Boater's World (ha) and one local surf/skate shop that carries some Hyperlite stuff.

Lets see, over the years I've bought boards, bindings, ropes, vests, and accessories from:

www.boardstop.com
www.buywake.com
www.evogear.com
www.the-house.com
www.perfski.com
www.boardersbestbuy.com
www.whiskeymilitia.com
www.bulletlines.com
www.ebay.com
www.amazon.com

Some times I've had the opportunity to demo the gear at out of town shops or at Surf Expo etc. Other times I just knew what I wanted and what I was getting. And every now and then I've sent something back because it just wasn't what I was looking for.

3MileBayWaker · Posted: Sep 26, 2012 2:19 am Post subject:

Evo.com

Because they are awesome, if I have an issue they are extremely helpful in getting me it corrected. I only have a couple local shop which only stock LF, I poke around them but always end up ordering from EVO.

GnarShredd · Posted: Sep 26, 2012 5:09 am Post subject:

3. Buy online without trying it out (usually)

I know what kind of boards I like and find it hard to find the time to demo since I can only ride about once a week as it is, so I just search for the best deal on a model that looks interesting to me and get it wherever I can find it cheapest. I have yet to absolutely hate a board that I've put resarch in to.

I also have a local shop that sometimes has great closeout deals so I'll check there first if I find a board I like online, but it really comes down to who offers the best price.

augie · Criminal Joined: 25 Jun 2008 Posts: 54 City: KC

I always try to give the local shops my business first. Plus I get to demo gear before I buy. I've seen to many little wake/snowboard/skate shops go out of business in my area and it sucks to not be able to walk in spur of the moment and look at gear.

But back in college days, everything was online at the best deal I could find.

NKCrider · Posted: Oct 01, 2012 5:55 pm Post subject:

Local shop, no demo. I just do my research, my buddy picked up a LF TRIP combo for $240. Gotta love end of season sales to make room for the snowgear... I also got a straight line, zero stretch 70ft w/ handle for $50

TnR6Rida · Posted: Oct 01, 2012 6:15 pm Post subject:

Boardstop,com because he runs this site, and I get a discount.

Also he is a pretty awesome dude from what I've talked to him on the phone.

fd2blk · Criminal Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 82

Evo, last years model sale from the outlet store because I am cheap

Joeharness15 · Newbie Joined: 30 Sep 2012 Posts: 6 City: Greeneville

evo.com outlet sale. most of the wake stuff right now is going for really cheap

CPGrandelli · Criminal Joined: 24 Oct 2012 Posts: 90

I'm all about Evo.com Seems like they ahve the best prices on last years model.

Rhawn · Posted: Oct 29, 2012 6:21 am Post subject:

Boardstop