Snowboards may be used or kept for up to 15 years before they start to disintegrate. An old board may be acquired for $50-$100 if it still has significant pop and flex and is a fantastic alternative for riding in rough spring or autumn season conditions. Older boards are also useful for learning how to ride powder because the technology has not changed that much over time. Here are some things to consider when choosing between new and old boards: Old boards may have issues getting into smaller spaces, but they are usually easier to push into big berms and tend to have better edge control. They also tend to be more stable than newer models. Old boards also tend to be heavier which gives them more momentum; however, they don't go as fast as newer models. Newer models are generally lighter, have shorter wheelbase, and have "safer" rocker designs that are easier to get off of jumps and into other objects. They also tend to be less stable, so you need to watch out for yourself instead of relying on the board to keep you safe. These differences can make older boards better choices for certain types of riding. Both old and new boards will break if you crash hard enough. What's important is how each board handles such an event. Older boards have more life left in them and are thus less likely to cause you additional injury if you hit hard enough.