FAQ

 General Questions

 Snowboard Questions

 Splitboard Questions

General FAQ

How does Hybrid Rocker affect the edge hold of my snowboard?
Your snowboard with Hybrid Rocker will have virtually the same edge hold as our boards did with traditional camber. Keep in mind that there is still camber under and between your feet and that the rocker or early rise tip and tail is minimal. The result is a board that has excellent edge hold when on edge while providing an improved powder ride with more effortless edge-to-edge transition.

How long will it take to get my snowboard after I order it?
If you order a snowboard that is currently in stock (eg. from the new in-stock/demo section), your board can be shipped or picked up immediately. The amount of time that a board takes to ship will depend on your location and which shipping option you choose. See Shipping Info for details.
If you order a snowboard to be built (eg. you've specifically chosen certain graphics from our topsheet and base selections) the lead times will vary depending on how busy the factory is with other orders. Most 'buy to build' orders can be completed within 3 weeks (plus shipping time). See Shipping Info for details.

How will I know when my board has been shipped?
If you placed your order online, you will be emailed your tracking number on the day that your board is shipped.
If you ordered in person or over the telephone, please make sure we have been given your email address and you will be emailed your tracking number on the day that your board is shipped.

Where do you ship snowboards to?
Prior ships anywhere. We have more than 20 years experience shipping to Prior customers from all over the world.

Can I pick up my snowboard in Whistler?
Yes, you can choose to 'Pick up at Prior Factory' as your shipping method when ordering online. We will contact you via email or telephone to let you know when your board is ready and we will hold it here at the Prior Factory/Store for you to pick up at your convenience.

How do I get to the Prior Factory/Store in Whistler?
Click here for our address and directions. If you are still having difficulty finding us, simply give us a call at 604-935-1923 or toll free 1-877-93-PRIOR.

What is your exchange rate between Canadian and other currencies?
It varies depending on the economic conditions. Click on www.xe.com for current exchange rates. 

We charge all purchases in Canadian dollars.  We list some common exchange rate prices on our site for quick reference only and exhange rates vary depending on the current daily rate.

What is your warranty policy?
New Prior snowboards and skis come with a one-year warranty against defects in quality and workmanship. For more information please go to warranty .

Can you repair non-warranty claims?
Yes. We repair Prior boards for a reasonable price. Keep this in mind if you have some non-warranty damage, or if your warranty expires.

Do you make or sell bindings?
Yes, we sell a selection of softboot, alpine and splitboard bindings and accessories. Click on accessories for more info.

Do you have any used, factory seconds, or 'last years' snowboards for sale at discount prices?
Yes. Please go to the Prior Board Rack for up-to-date product listings.

Are all your boards made at your factory in Whistler, Canada?
Yes! Prior is the only ski and snowboard factory in Whistler and the only place where Prior products are made.

What differentiates your snowboards and skis from other manufacturers?
First, we always use the finest materials available. Secondly, we have been handcrafting boards for some of the world's best riders since 1990 and this knowledge and know-how goes into every product we make. Third, the Prior boards and skis are made in Whistler by craftsmen whose lives revolve around the sport. The fourth, and most important differentiating factor, is the Prior ride. Prior snowboards and skis have been designed to provide unparalleled stability,control and performance in all winter conditions.

Can you tell me more about your factory in Whistler?
The Prior factory is specifically designed to handle small runs of high quality snowboards and skis. Our equipment is some of the most modern available. We produce a limited number of snowboards and skis to ensure that the integrity of our product is maintained.
When you visit Whistler, please contact us to reserve a spot on one of our free factory tours.

Have a question?
Please contact us.


Snowboard Questions

Do you have wide boards for people with big feet?
We offer several "wide" boards to help prevent heel/toe drag for those with bigger feet. "Wide" models that have a 26cm waist are the MFR in all lengths, the Khyber in 165 and 170cm, the Spearhead in 166, 172 and 178cm, and the Powstick in 176 and 181cm sizes. We also offer an MFR 168 "extra wide" board with a 27cm waist width which is suitable for riders having size 12 - 14 feet.
A special note for those with feet larger than size 14, we can customize boards with a waist width up to 28.5cm and a tip/tail width up to 34cm. Click on Custom Shapes for more info.

What kinds of custom options are available?
All customers can choose between various topsheet and base graphics. Length, width, flex, materials and cosmetic appearance are all possible custom features. Please go to custom shapes or custom graphics for various prices and options or contact us for more information.

My screws feel like they are stripping the inserts when I am attaching the bindings. What should I do?
Are you using the correct screws? All inserts are tested in the factory before shipment. Prior uses industry standard 6mm stainless steel inserts.
If an insert is giving you problems try inserting the screws without the bindings very slowly. Make sure the screw is pointed straight down. If you still are having problems try other binding screws in the problem hole or the same screw in another insert hole. New screws often require more effort due to the locking material on their threads.
Contact us if the problem persists.

Are graphite bases faster?
Industry information says yes. Graphite reduces friction at moderate temperatures, thus increasing speed. In cold conditions and warm conditions this effect is negated.
To ensure board speed it is likely more important to keep your base in good condition and wax regularly.

Do you rent snowboards?
Yes. We have a full set of demo boards and skis at the Prior factory in Whistler that are available for C$25/day. We will take up to three days demo (C$75) off the purchase price of a new Prior board. Many of our Dealers also rent Prior snowboards and we also set up free demos clinics at several resorts around the Pacific Northwest during the winter months. Check our demo schedule for dates and locations.

Do you make any boards for kids?
We do not make a 'kids' specific model, but our Brandywine is suitable for smaller, lightweight riders and comes in shorter lengths including 147 and 150cm.

What should I do to take care of my Prior snowboard?
With a little care, your Prior snowboard can last several years.
We recommend that you wipe off your board with a soft towel after you use it and store in a warm dry place. Regular waxing and tuning is also important. Go to Board Tuning 101 for some helpful tips.
For those of you who would rather have your board taken care of by the pros we offer a Pro Tune done here at the factory in Whistler - for more info click here.


Splitboard Questions

Does Hybrid Rocker affect my ability to ascend on a splitboard?
No. Remember that the most of your skin traction comes from the area below your feet and this area still has camber. Also note that the early rise (rockered) tip and tail is subtle so you will be getting skin traction and edge hold in this area of the board half too.

Is there a sacrifice in performance when using a Prior splitboard compared with a solid board?
No. Prior splitboards are torsionally stable and have a similar overall flex pattern to our proven freeride models. With the connective hardware and the binding plates all in place, the splitboard rides just like a regular board. (Note: a splitboard weighs approximately 10% more than a regular board.)

What do Prior splitboards come equipped with?
The splitboards come with Voile mounting hardware and 132 mm wide XL Voile Tractor Skins. All you need is a pair of bindings (soft or hard) and binding screws to mount to the 4 x 4 pattern on the Voile Slider Tracks, and you are set to go.

How do I set the kit up when I receive the board?
Mounting instructions are included with our splitboards and are available online. Board set up is relatively simple. Allow about 1 hour for initial setup.

How long does it take to do the splitboard changeover in the backcountry?
Once you've got your system dialed, it will only take a couple of minutes to switch over from boarding to touring mode and vice versa.

Do the heels have the capacity to lock down when in touring mode?
No. The current Voile setup is for freeheel mode only.

Are there clips to attach the tail ends of the skins to the tails of each ski?
No. Clips are not necessary (the added width of splitboard skins provides extra base adherence and traction ) and the skins should be trimmed so that they are only as long as the running length of the base of each ski. Instructions on trimming are provided with new skins.

My binding screws appear too long and, when attached to the plate, restrict the plate from sliding onto the pucks. What should I do?
First, make sure you have placed the rectangular rubber gasket between the binding base plate and the slider track. Without this gasket, the screws will protrude too far out of the t-nuts. 

If your binding screws still protrude beyond the t-nuts underneath the slider tracks they are likely too long.
The best remedy is to determine the correct length of screw you need (we recommend buying quality 6mm self-locking snowboard screws) and purchase at your local snowboard shop. Do-it-yourselfers often choose to file or grind down their snowboard screws to achieve the same effect or you can also use a washer under the head of the screw to raise it slightly.

What can I do to help protect the nylon tip/tail clips on the Splitboards?
Most tip clip damage occurs while the boards are split apart. We recommend rotating your tip clips in so that the board protects them while in touring mode. The tip clips fit under the skin bars when in this position which is added protection.
Also, while skinning run your boards with the straight sidewall (middle of board) out. This provides additional control while skinning as well as reducing the chances of making contact with the tip/tail clips.
If you do break a nylon tip clip please contact us to arrange getting a replacement.

Can I set up my splitboard with hardboots and alpine snowboard bindings?
Yes. All you require are bindings using the 4X4 hole mounting system. Bomber splitboard bindings can be purchased directly from Prior. Go to accessories for further info.

Do you have any suggestions on how to use and maintain the Voile skins?
Yes. Click here for some valuable tips.

Are Voile Crampons compatible with Prior Splitboards?
Yes, Voile's new crampons are compatible with all Prior splitboards. Go to accessories for more info and/or to purchase. Please indicate your splitboard size & style when ordering crampons to ensure you receive the correct set.

I lost my pin. Where can I find a replacement?
Prior stocks spare pins and several other splitboard related products. Go to accessories for more info and/or to purchase.

Can you downhill ski on the splitboard when it is in touring mode?
You can certainly 'ski' downhill as necessary, but keep in mind that the slider tracks under the bindings do not lock down, so you will be in freeheel mode creating more of a telemark or cross country experience versus downhill. Also note that the splitboard halves will have a straight edge on one side, so they will not have the same effect as a regular downhill ski.

Does the width of the tips on the Khyber Split cause problems when touring?
The nose of the Khyber is approximately 1cm wider than the Backcountry Split (depending on the length of the board) and should not cause difficulty when touring... except that everyone will want you to break trail!

Have a question?
Please contact us.
Previous page