I got a couple for ya.
Boa tightened boots suck. Like they are good if you’re not strong enough to tie your own boots, great for people just getting into the sport. But they just don’t stay tight through the day. I also don’t think they last if you put more than 25 days in a season.
Ice coast wisdom: Ski it till it’s good. Don’t let conditions get in the way of having fun on the mountain.
Late to the party but my hot take is you can have fun while spending under $100 on equipment (if you live in the right place). I found my board and cheap ass 5150 bindings for $40 on Facebook, boots in the dumpster but work great, helmet for 50 bucks on sale (no mips which is an issue but I’ll get one later), jacket and pants I already had from handme downs.
I’m not doing back country, but I’ll be damned if I’m not having fun.