With so many companies turning their apps into glorified online stores, it’s more than a bit surprising to see a company — in this case, Ride Snowboards — come out with an app that basically is the digital equivalent to a catalog. While it has lots of pretty pictures and some nice bios of snowboarders that use Ride gear, you can’t purchase a single item you see pictured directly on the app.
That’s not to say you’re not discouraged from purchasing gear. One of the primary buttons on the app is a store locator where you can find the nearest retailer of Ride equipment, and there are several links to purchase things via third-party Web sites.
Still, when the app provides terrific product descriptions right next to photos of the things that the company sells, it seems like a purchase option would make the most sense. After all, when would be a better time for a boarder to impulse-buy some bindings than when they’re killing time on their iPhone?
Lack of consumerism aside, this is a fine selection of wares. The boarder bios are also interesting, as long as you have at least a passing interest in pro snowboarding, and the videos and news buttons give you a good sense of what the latest happenings in the Ride world are while still being entertaining.
Those not into snowboarding need not apply here, but for everyone else, Ride Snowboards app is a worthwhile look at a brand.
