Value of Used Black Snow Snowboards

Used snowboards will never gain worth with age, but if properly maintained and in good shape, they will retain some value. As boards get older, the worth they hold will vary, since they have had a longer amount of time to sustain damage. A Black Snow snowboard, which features the designs and function of early snowboarding, may hold value as a collector's item.

  1. Function

    • Black Snow snowboards debuted in the '80s and are now something of a classic in the snowboard world. They do not function like today's modern snowboard, and they are hardly recognizable next to one. But you can still ride one for fun. Mostly Black Snow boards are "antiques" or collector's items, giving them a potentially higher used value to the right buyer.

    Defining Features

    • A Black Snow snowboard features a flat tail, long pointed nose and no metal edges. It is made of a plastic, fiberglass composite that can be dangerous if splintered. It has a directional shape, meaning you can only ride it in one direction, whereas you can ride new boards in both directions. A Black Snow board is also significantly shorter.

    Evaluating Condition

    • Examine a Black Snow snowboard with a careful eye. Take a close look at the plastic edges for damage or places where the board has nicks or dings. Inspect the base of the board for major cracks or structural damage. Black Snow snowboards were not known for their high quality, so damage of some kind is likely.

    Board Flex

    • Test the flex of the board to see how much life the Black Snow snowboard still holds. Test by placing the board on its tail and holding the tip with one hand. With the other hand, press on the middle of the board so it flexes downward. It should snap back quickly. If it doesn't, then that indicates the board is losing responsiveness.

    Value

    • Looking at the factors above will help determine the value. The more pristine condition the board is in, the better value it will hold. Putting a dollar value on a Black Snow snowboard mostly remains a guessing game. You will likely find more interest from a ski and snowboard museum than a private buyer. Another place to try is a snowboard shop as those often collect snowboard memorabilia.