So, my old board bit it at the end of last season and I'm looking for a new setup and I was hoping to get some input.
Background: 6' tall, 170 lb rider from the Mid Atlantic. Size 11 boots, 15+/- stance.
Riding: Pretty much all freeride BUT I don't want to rule out some freestyle/park. I got into snowboarding at age 24 so I figured I was ancient when it came to venturing into the park. I may give it a go here and there this winter and would like a setup that could work a little bit there if need be.
Location: Even though I'm on the east coast I'd imagine a decent bit of my riding will be out west this year. Something that works well on ice and powder would be ideal.
Previous Setup: An '06 (I think) Arbor Formula 157 with some '08 Burton Missions. Served me well for a few years but I think I had grown out of it as a rider. I did like the board width (listed at 24.9 cm) though. Last year I demoed a Burton Joystick Wide (25.9 cm) and it felt way too wide and I hated it.
Possible Choices: At this point I've been looking at the Never Summer Raptor and the K2 Slayblade. Because of my location it probably wouldn't be easy for me to demo any of these boards before I go on my first trip (planned for early January) and I get the impression that Never Summer boards sell out fairly early. I know waist widths measurements can be all over the place but those two seemed inline with what I was looking for.
Unfortunately, I haven't really used a non-cambered board (aside from the Joystick demo) and I'm not sure how difficult the transition is or how different the ride is.
As for bindings, Rome Targas get a ton of rave reviews as solid, all mountain bindings. I am also considering the K2 Auto Evers or Formulas. Definitely interested in canted bindings.
Budget: Looking to spend about $600 on the board and $250ish on the bindings. I'm obviously leaning toward the Raptor/Targas but can definitely be convinced another setup would be better. Any ideas/thoughts would be appreciated.
Background: 6' tall, 170 lb rider from the Mid Atlantic. Size 11 boots, 15+/- stance.
Riding: Pretty much all freeride BUT I don't want to rule out some freestyle/park. I got into snowboarding at age 24 so I figured I was ancient when it came to venturing into the park. I may give it a go here and there this winter and would like a setup that could work a little bit there if need be.
Location: Even though I'm on the east coast I'd imagine a decent bit of my riding will be out west this year. Something that works well on ice and powder would be ideal.
Previous Setup: An '06 (I think) Arbor Formula 157 with some '08 Burton Missions. Served me well for a few years but I think I had grown out of it as a rider. I did like the board width (listed at 24.9 cm) though. Last year I demoed a Burton Joystick Wide (25.9 cm) and it felt way too wide and I hated it.
Possible Choices: At this point I've been looking at the Never Summer Raptor and the K2 Slayblade. Because of my location it probably wouldn't be easy for me to demo any of these boards before I go on my first trip (planned for early January) and I get the impression that Never Summer boards sell out fairly early. I know waist widths measurements can be all over the place but those two seemed inline with what I was looking for.
Unfortunately, I haven't really used a non-cambered board (aside from the Joystick demo) and I'm not sure how difficult the transition is or how different the ride is.
As for bindings, Rome Targas get a ton of rave reviews as solid, all mountain bindings. I am also considering the K2 Auto Evers or Formulas. Definitely interested in canted bindings.
Budget: Looking to spend about $600 on the board and $250ish on the bindings. I'm obviously leaning toward the Raptor/Targas but can definitely be convinced another setup would be better. Any ideas/thoughts would be appreciated.