I consider myself to be an advanced rider, but not an expert. I'm not starring in the next "That's It, That's All" with T. Rice, if you know what I mean. However, I can definitely rip it and like it fast. I prefer black and double black terrain, and kill for steep pow and diverse backcountry (which are unfortunately limited here in Pennsylvania). I also like to hit mogul runs to give myself a work out, and enjoy tree runs. I strongly prefer freeriding and playing with natural terrain. I do dabble in the park, but don't prefer it. I enjoy the ability to switch to fakie 20-30% of time to give my back leg a rest and keep things interesting.
With that said, I am pretty dead set on either a Lib Tech or a Gnu. I rented a 159cm Skate Banana one day and had an amazing time. Definitely a very fun board, and I don't think I could sacrifice not having Magnetraction after experiencing it. However, I do have two complaints in regards to The Skate Banana, which I am hoping either the Lib Tech Dark Series C2 BTX or Gnu Altered Genetics BTX can solve.
1.) The initial acceleration of the Skate Banana was too slow, and I would like a little more speed and pop/aggression while carving.
2.) The Skate Banana was very difficult to handle on moguls, even if they were 3 foot-iced over-mole hills. (The flex is a 6, so maybe I need a stiffer board?)
***Important: I am debating between a 158 or 161 Dark Series (Flex 7.5) and a 159 or 162 Altered Genetics (Flex 7). I am 5'11", weigh 183lbs, and wear a size 10 boot. As described above, I am an aggressive rider, who enjoys riding both directions and minimal park. I live in the Northeast where I do most of my riding, but do make it out to the Rockies at least once a year. Which size do I get?***
Once last thing (sorry for the length of this post): I am a medical student, which means funds are pretty limited. I know that these are very expensive boards, which means I am waiting for end of season deals. IF the deals are not adequate (max $500, which is still expensive), then my back-up plans are the Lib Tech TRS or something cheaper from Lib Tech or Gnu.
Thank you all for your consideration.
With that said, I am pretty dead set on either a Lib Tech or a Gnu. I rented a 159cm Skate Banana one day and had an amazing time. Definitely a very fun board, and I don't think I could sacrifice not having Magnetraction after experiencing it. However, I do have two complaints in regards to The Skate Banana, which I am hoping either the Lib Tech Dark Series C2 BTX or Gnu Altered Genetics BTX can solve.
1.) The initial acceleration of the Skate Banana was too slow, and I would like a little more speed and pop/aggression while carving.
2.) The Skate Banana was very difficult to handle on moguls, even if they were 3 foot-iced over-mole hills. (The flex is a 6, so maybe I need a stiffer board?)
***Important: I am debating between a 158 or 161 Dark Series (Flex 7.5) and a 159 or 162 Altered Genetics (Flex 7). I am 5'11", weigh 183lbs, and wear a size 10 boot. As described above, I am an aggressive rider, who enjoys riding both directions and minimal park. I live in the Northeast where I do most of my riding, but do make it out to the Rockies at least once a year. Which size do I get?***
Once last thing (sorry for the length of this post): I am a medical student, which means funds are pretty limited. I know that these are very expensive boards, which means I am waiting for end of season deals. IF the deals are not adequate (max $500, which is still expensive), then my back-up plans are the Lib Tech TRS or something cheaper from Lib Tech or Gnu.
Thank you all for your consideration.