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Help me choose a new setup

3K views 21 replies 9 participants last post by  kaborkian 
#1 · (Edited)
So I'm trying to decide on a new setup this year. I've been riding for about 13 years all on the East Coast - PA, NY, VT. A majority of my riding is on groomers with very little park. I've always ridden camber boards until my K2 deck was stolen about 2-3 years ago. I replaced it with a NS Legacy but I'm not really feelin the RC profile. Same complaints that most camber riders experience, it just feels too loose and pivoty between the feet when flat basing, hammer down.

Last year I picked up a barely used K2 Zeppelin 162W to get me by until I can find something I like again. Bindings are '10 K2 Autos and '11 Formulas. Boots are K2 T1's (Size 12) and I plan on keeping these.

So anyway...I guess I'm steering clear of all hybrid Rocker/Camber type profiles but I've seen a few new profiles that I might like. What do you guys think of the new K2 Slayblade that has the lifted flatline? It would seem that this would feel just like camber. I also looked at a Jones Aviator and they make it in a 160W, which would work for me (6'-3, 210).

I may replace my bindings too if I can part with the coins. Looking at maybe a new pair of blue Formulas or Union Forces.

Well let me know what you think of the board and binding choices or add a few more to the mix that I should look at.

Jon
 
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#2 · (Edited)
I agree with you about camber... tried a hybrid rockered board last year (t rice pro) but i found myself going back to my camber boards for a lot of days.

For bindings, check out ebay right now. 2013 union atlas' going for less than 200 bucks. same bindings as the 2014's just different colors. I just picked up another pair the other day. love em

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2013-union-...920?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c3893b2b0
 
#4 ·
For bindings, check out ebay right now. 2013 union atlas' going for less than 200 bucks. same bindings as the 2014's just different colors. I just picked up another pair the other day. love em

2013 Union Atlas Snowboard Bindings New Matte Blk L XL Ships Fast Save $ | eBay
They are cheaper on EVO right now. Why does Union's website have zero description of their bindings? I can't tell what type of riding the bindings are designed for. Would it be that hard to classify them as a park binding, all mountain, etc.

The back straps on the Unions look nice and plush but the front straps look thin and cheap. Anyone have issues with them? I guess my Autos have a pretty thin front strap too so who knows...
 
#5 ·
I like the ruggedness and build quality of the Union bindings but hate the toe ratchet. Looks like they redesigned it for this year. Nothin wrong with another pair of formulas.

you may also like the rocker camber rocker version of boards; they feel a lot more stable when flat basing to me. Like the Salomon Mans Board, Capita Totally FK'n Awesome, Rossignol One magtek. The slayblade and the happyhour are excellent boards too.
 
#9 ·
the toe ratchet can be a bit sticky, but i don't mind that... rather stiff than loose.
My Salomon ratchets are easy as shit to pop and have never once popped on their own. The way ratchets release is independent of their ability to hold onto the ladder.

When are people going to stop making this excuse for Unions shitty toe ratchets?

Back to boards, the Slayblade now in spirit replaces the Zeppelin. Lifted is the shit, I say give the 2014 Slayblade a shot.
 
#7 ·
Has anyone ridden the Jones Aviator yet? The 160W looks enticing.

Also, can anyone verify the base color of the Slayblade 162 Wide? The website shows a blue/maroon base but if you google it, there are pictures everywhere showing different colors; even colors combos that are not even shown on K2's website. I emailed K2 and they replied that they don't vary the base colors, and each one is specific to size. I know I shouldn't care but some of the colors are butt @ss ugly.

Jon
 
#8 ·
What about last year's Ride Machete? Evo has a 161W for $267, my local shop also has one, I'm trying to get them to beat the price.

Looks like the board has a flat profile or a slight camber between the bindings and the tips are a slight rocker, the "LowRize". Anyone ever ride one of these boards? How do they compare to a typical camber board? I'm looking for great carving board on the Ice Coast and blazing flat basing speed without feeling sketchy...
 
#13 · (Edited)
I've tried contacting K2, Evo, REI, etc. I'm trying to figure out the base colors of the Slayblade 162 Wide.

K2's site shows it as blue, maroon and yellow but I see it on other sites that show it different.
EVO shows some ugly mint green/mustard yellow/maroon combos
Ebay has one for sale that's maroon and orange.
REI has it the same as K2

It looks like there are an endless combination of bases available, can you order them with the base colors you want? I really only like the combos that use red/blue/black...the other colors just don't match the topsheet at all and are generally ugly colors. Mustard yellow, Maroon, Pastel Mint Green?? What was K2 thinking. I think my mom had some curtains with those colors back in the 70s...

I know most people claim they don't care what the board looks like at all but I do, especially if I'm throwin some serious coin down.
 
#15 ·
I received an email from K2 and they said the base colors are interchangeable so that they don't waste material?? They cannot guarantee if you order that you will get the specified color.

Seems odd to me...Buy a $560 board and get whatever color shows up at my door. :dunno:
 
#16 · (Edited)
#17 · (Edited)
At least with the Jones they are all the same 3 colors just mismatched...AND all three of the base colors are found on the top sheet. With the Slayblade the topsheet is Black/Gray with blue and red text. Then the bottom sheet could be mustard yellow, mint green, maroon, orange, or any combination thereof. I'd be OK if they just swapped out combos of red/blue/black. The other colors just don't go together at all...
 
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