IMO go for strap in's- they feel sooo much more responsive IMO!
asfor a board, it really depends on how you ride, and what you ride-
there is no point getting a pro twin tip park board if you intend on going to canada and riding off piste the whole time!

tell us what sort of riding you do, and what you want to do, how confident you are on a board (ie i've got a stiff as fook pro deck, but if your only just starting out, you may not get on with it- excuss my ignorance, but i think you've been a couple of times from previous posts???)

Also, set yourself a budget - do you want to spend a grand, or a touch less lol!

Oh, and one thi9ng about burtons- they are fine if you are ONLY riding snow, but if you ever go on dendex, it WILL die very very quickly!