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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Shredding The Ranks

Knight-Ridder

Snowboarding

At the end of 1995, about 300 manufacturers were making snowboards or related boots or bindings, compared with about 50 manufacturers of downhill ski gear.

However, many of the big, mainstream ski makers have bought board companies, a trend that seems to be bringing prices down.

“Two years ago you paid a minimum of $450 for a good woodcore board and bindings,” one retailer said. “This year it’s $350 for a board with even better technology, and I think the price will continue to drop.”