Just got into the sport last year and was advised to ride a 161 because I was a beginner (6'2" 220lbs) Im at the point now where I keep up no problem with my buddies that have been riding for 4-6 years... Half are telling me its time for a bigger board (165) and the other half say it doesn't matter... Ive currently got a 161 NS F1, if I do get a bigger board ill probably get a 165 NS Raptor (Love the 2012 F1 hate new 2013 F1 graphics).... Thoughts?
The length is not the only factor to choose a board, stiffness plays a big role also. Also, depends on the type of riding you intend to do. My eyes were opened when I changed from 164W stiff board to 157 loose (I'm 6'4/180lbs), I mainly ride small hills with small kickers. If I went to ride bigger hills/mountains, I'd probably take the bigger/stiffer board.
Length does matter, but buying a longer board without a real purpose (e.g. deep powder, megafast bombing...) is not a reason to get a new one. Even the graphics are a better reason IMHO
Well, I am about your size, but I will agree to an extent. If you looking to launch down wide open runs, I would suggest maybe a longer board, but note it will be harder to make tight turns. If you are eventually looking to get into tree runs and such, a shorter but stiffer board may help make tight cuts and maintain stability.
I'll add that it also depends on the hill, snow and terrain you are riding. If you are just bombing groomers and that is what you like to do and all that your hill has to offer; then the question is, are you maxing the potential of the board....like hitting the 45-50+ mph on your current 161 F1 (which it should easily be able to handle) and you want to go faster. However I doubt, just due to you being a 1 season beginner, that you are maxing the potential of the board...but I :dunno:. I agree with Lucky and El....keep the board and work on your fr technique....you should be able to make both tight snappy cross under turns and blast goomers on that board.
Thanks, you guys made up my mind, I'll keep the F1 I went to the board shop last night and the guy pretty much said exactly what wrathfuldeity said... And some of my friends do a lot of tree runs so I opted to keep the F1 and I bought a 2012 Legacy(1/2 price)... Don't know much about that board haven't looking into it yet but he tried to sell me an Evo, I told him I'll never ever go into a park... So since I decided to try something different legacy it was, apparently the F1 and Raptor are very similar... Dummy?? Lol
You better have big feet: The Legacy is a (mid-)wide version of the SL. It is actually quite a bit wider than your F1. Otherwise not a bad choice, but the Evo would not have been bad either - it is far more than just a park board. In fact, Evo is probably best for tree runs.
At least the bit about the F1 and the Raptor being similar is correct.
1cm width can make a big difference in edge pressure and edge-to-edge quickness. Honestly, with size 10.5 feet you could (and probably should) have just gone with the regular SL.
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