Are snowboard warranties lame?

Posted: 01 March 2011 10:28 PM

So my wife’s board (big name company that is well respected) started to delaminate after three years of riding groomers. Probably has 30 to 40 days on the moutain. So i took it to two local shops (both listed on the mfg’s website, one was where we bought it). They both said the same thing, great board, well taken care of and clearly a mfg defect. As a side note, I boought my board the same day (different mfg) and have not treated it as well and it has no issues.

One of the shops called the mfg for me and they said the rep was firm that it was out of warranty but, we could send it to them and they would look at it but that it would probably cost us to have them fix it. Both local shops said any fix would be temporary and the local shop can fix it temporarily so why send it and be without for a while in the middle of winter. The other local shop told me to call the mfg and hassle them till they give in. There was no getting past the rep that answered the phone. She was sticking to whatever was written in front of her. I also sent an email hoping that someone else might consider the circumstances. 

So here is my question, am I wrong to think that a board should last more than 3 years riding groomers? I understand that anyone replying to this can’t see the board and will have to take my word that it was well taken care of. I kept the mfg names out so as to not start an argument, just curious if my expectations are off.

Posted: 02 March 2011 12:56 PM

I would say yes and no.

If a product has a one year warranty. That´s it. Can´t expect the firm to take it back after 3 yrs.
On the other hand. I would say that the board should last longer than 3 years.  In fact I think it should last very long. 15-20 years. I.e longer than most of us would like to keep it due to graphics, new tech and that kind of stuff

Posted: 02 March 2011 05:11 PM

Agree, their warranty policy is clear on their website. I have more experience dealing with mt bikes where the warranty may be expired but high end mfg’s appear to take more ownership in their products when a defect is clearly the issue by offering discounts to “at cost replacement” to full replacement depending on the situation.  I probably shouldn’t compare the two industries for a myriad of reasons. At least I can find her a good board at end of season prices while their is still some selection left.