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Fat guy & Rossignol Krypto Magtek

7K views 31 replies 15 participants last post by  twowheeled 
#1 · (Edited)
Hi everyone! I just joined today, and I just bought my first snowboard last night! I can't wait to hit the hills! I used to ride a lot when I was younger but really injured my back, even back then I was never anything above amateur and used rented equipment. Four years ago I had major back surgery. I have a handful of bolts in my back, a disc removed, titanium disk inserted. Basically half cyborg. In that time of bed rest and not being able to do much activity though my weight skyrocketed.

Now that its been 4 years since surgery I feel ready to start trying activities again. But I'm super heavy and super out of shape. I bought a 164W Rossignol Krypto Magtek last night on the recommendation of the board shop person for a person my size / abilities. He said it was good for a heavy guy, stable, easy to master. Good for amateur but a bit of room to grow into.

I'm curious what the riders here think? The guy seemed super knowledgeable and great to deal with, but right on the board it says the max weight is 190 lbs. Which i'm significantly over, like 100 lbs over! The shop guy said they rate them low and not to worry.

I didn't buy bindings yet either. I'm still searching for what would work for a guy like me. Because my back has little flexibility and I have a lot of stomach in front of me I find the traditional bindings overwhelming (pathetic maybe, but this is how my body is right now.). Would the flow or k2 cinch stuff be suitable for a heavy guy?

A bit about me as a rider:
Ride Type: Small hill we have in city for day to day practicing, but the mountain is where I like to be. I'm not fancy, I just like getting from the top to the bottom at this point. But excited to grow the abilities.
Height: 6'3 / 190cm
Weight: 290 lbs / 131 kg
Shoes: Size 12

Thanks all!
 
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#2 ·
Do you have large feet? That is the wide version of the board. Kryptos is actually an intermediate to advanced free ride board, but maybe at your weight you'd able to pressure it like a smaller board.
 
#5 ·
True. The board is still in its plastic wrap though. The guy said unless I open it I can return it.

Ok. So maybe I'm just worrying too much about the issue of bindings, maybe there is no issue. I just see myself having problems sitting on snow, bending over to do the bindings and getting back up. Problem is, not many things are "easy" for me. My back just doesn't move like other peoples, I have spina bifida occulta that was aggravated by a bad car accident.

Of course the thought that comes to mind is why even try? I'm tired of accepting limitations. I'm not going to do it anymore, I loved snowboard so I'm going to snowboard. I'm just trying to make it as easy for my body as I can to maximize enjoyment.

Thanks all!
 
#7 ·
FWIW, I'm 6'5" 260 and rode a soft 164w Burton Bullet for my two seasons without too much of a problem. It would wash out a bit when I started riding faster but it was fine. That board is much softer than the 164 you bought, so I'm guessing you'll be fine. If you start going too long you might have issues controlling the board as a novice rider, but hard to say for sure. I'm now on a stiffer free ride board that's a 166w and don't see myself going bigger anytime soon. It's perfect for me and the places/conditions I ride.
 
#8 ·
Thanks ksup3erb!

I really appreciate the input and advise. I'm going to head to the shop at lunch and check some out. I'd love to hit the hills tomorrow.

:yahoo:

It's nice to know too that the board I have would carry me a long way as my skill level increases. Assuming it doesn't kill me first. :D


Thanks!!
 
#9 ·
Thanks Trapper! Its good to feel a bit more confident that my fat butt isn't just going to snap this thing like a twig. Or step off the lift and poof I'm waist deep in snow. haha

I'm hoping as I get going on this, and assuming it isn't too much for my back, the more I do the more motivated I'd be to lose some of the weight and just make this easier overall for me. This is pretty exciting for me, I've done some canoing since surgery but this will be the first active sport since. It's been so long and at times I didn't think i'd ever get back out there living life!
 
#10 ·
Hi,
I'm 6'2" and 225 lbs and I ride a Rossi Angus in 162 mid wide and it has been great for me.
I think you'll be fine on that board. My bindings are Forum Republics and they work really well with my board and boots. They are stiff enough but still flex some and very comfortable. The toe cap strap really locks my big feet to my board.

I also wear size 12 shoes most of the time but went with size 13's on my boots. I just bought K2 Maysis boots last year and they are by far the most comfortable boots I've ever owned. The double BOA system is great and allows for infinite adjustment throughout a full day of riding.

My advice on the boots is to try on at least 5-6 pairs to get a feel for how stiff you want and how well they fit. Also, don't look at price on boots just try them on and pick the ones that fit best. If your boots don't fit right you won't enjoy your time on the snow, especially for bigger guys, since we're carrying more weight. It was funny, of the six pairs I tried on, the ones I bought were middle of the price change but fit me best. Only spent $215 and couldn't be more comfortable.

I hope this helps and Good luck finding the rest of your gear!
 
#11 ·
I rode the Krypto as a demo for a morning.

I found it to be a pretty solid board. the magtek cuts deep into the snow, so you might have a little learning curve there getting used to the sudden, solid bite of this tech. The only other point of note I found with the board was that it seemed to be in its element when it was "hard charged" ie a little faster seems to suit the build of this board. I didn't find it to be incredibly/especially "nimble" or quick to turn - that could have been me though.

On a more aesthetic level.. I loved the look and shape of this board!

Good lukc buddy, keep your mind set positive :)
 
#14 ·
Wow! All these 6'+, large-ish 220+ fellows! Now I really feel like a lard ass!! :D

So you know that you aren't likely to bust a board that big,.. I started riding 3 seasons ago at 6 ft. around 195-200lbs on a 163cm board. I've since gained about 35-40 lbs. and may have shrunk a half inch due to my own back trouble. ;) So at easily 255-260lbs, fully geared up, I've been riding a Rome 159 and NeverSummer 157. I'm WAY outta the weight range of those and I manage OK!

...of course I ain't taking them off 40ft kickers or hitting the halfpipe either! :laugh:



Oh, and I'm old too! Hahaha! Have fun! :thumbsup:
 
#15 · (Edited)
It is a great board. I own one myself and it is super fun in all conditions. It will be perfect for you. Enjoy. Also a binding that May give you some grace as you start getting better is the Now Drive. IMO they will give you the confidence you are looking for.
 
#16 ·
Hi again!

I wound up making it out friday night. It was amazing, I forgot how much fun boarding is. I just went to the little hill we have in town here, and to be honest the first run down I had to stop about half way on a not very big hill and catch my breath. After that I seemed to find my groove. Took a decent tumble on my second run but nothing major. Ah it was so much fun, and the day after I'm not in pain really, just my body feeling out of shape.

The board was awesome. For bindings I wound up going to 4 stores friday afternoon and checking a wide range out. I went with the K2 Cinch CTS in the end. I was still a bit leery on strap bindings with my back. For me the Cinch is fantastic, and was in my price range. I got the straps setup at home on my couch exactly how I wanted it. On the hill I open up the rear which pushes up the front straps to make the entry extremely easy, just step in and lean over a bit and pull up the heel lever which had a nice pull string to make it even easier to reach. At the end of the run it was as easy to step out, no sitting and minimal bending. Just hopefully it stands up. :)

After using it for one evening I think I have a decent setup for my situation. Next I'd like to find an affordable helmet before I go to the mountains.

Thanks again for all the advice and help!
 
#17 ·
Hi again!

I wound up making it out friday night. It was amazing, I forgot how much fun boarding is. I just went to the little hill we have in town here, and to be honest the first run down I had to stop about half way on a not very big hill and catch my breath. After that I seemed to find my groove. Took a decent tumble on my second run but nothing major. Ah it was so much fun, and the day after I'm not in pain really, just my body feeling out of shape.

The board was awesome. For bindings I wound up going to 4 stores friday afternoon and checking a wide range out. I went with the K2 Cinch CTS in the end. I was still a bit leery on strap bindings with my back. For me the Cinch is fantastic, and was in my price range. I got the straps setup at home on my couch exactly how I wanted it. On the hill I open up the rear which pushes up the front straps to make the entry extremely easy, just step in and lean over a bit and pull up the heel lever which had a nice pull string to make it even easier to reach. At the end of the run it was as easy to step out, no sitting and minimal bending. Just hopefully it stands up. :)

After using it for one evening I think I have a decent setup for my situation. Next I'd like to find an affordable helmet before I go to the mountains.

Thanks again for all the advice and help!
 
#20 ·
Hey, good luck with your boarding, i have broken my back twice in 6 years, and am ageing quickly as well, 44 now, and feeling it with my back problems...

The board sounds like fun, the bindings are good, i had the same but moved over to flow which i found even easier to use, but i still have my Cinch as well...

The weight thing is something different, and as you find yourself more active this will, or should change, i always put on weight in the summer as i am a lazy sod, so end up 260-270lbs, and i always finish the season at least 50lbs lighter, so i take little notice of the weight and i do actually ride a board as small as 153 at times... ;)

I know it makes a difference, but for how us old people ride, never really gonna notice it in the same way i don't think...

Have fun, stay safe and just enjoy... ;)
 
#21 · (Edited)
I know it makes a difference, but for how us old people ride, never really gonna notice it in the same way i don't think...

Have fun, stay safe and just enjoy... ;)
"....How Us Old people Ride!" LOL! That's very well put. I Didn't think to consider the length issue like that. I think You are right tho! Until such time as I maybe get out west and into some really deep shit? Or unless I eventually get past my, (...starting to seem a bit pathological by now.) fear of getting Air? On the groomers & shin deep resort poo, It probably doesn't matter too much if my boards are on the short side.

The one area I think there's an exception, is flat out speed n bombing. If you're into that? Longer will definitely be more noticeably stable especially for us "sides O' beef!" ;) :laugh:





The weight thing is something different, and as you find yourself more active this will, or should change, i always put on weight in the summer as i am a lazy sod, so end up 260-270lbs, and i always finish the season at least 50lbs lighter, so i take little notice of the weight and i do actually ride a board as small as 153 at times... ;)
.....wish I could figure out how to do that!! I drop a few during the season, but I find after I've spent all day on the slope, in cold and riding first to last chair? I'm freakin' RAVENOUS!! :blink: I usually end up eating a lot when Im done for the day.
 
#22 ·
Swaity, I had a couple major back surgeries too and learned to ride afterwards. It was probably the hardest physical challenge of my life but so worth it. I could barely even reach my feet sitting on my ass in the snow, had to hold my breath to get bound in even standing up. I found that doing squats helps with every part of snowboarding. To boil it down, keep at it no matter how hard it is. My back feels much better after snowboarding but I do need some Aleve during the day when I go because the muscles aren't used to that kind of work.

I hope the best for you.:thumbsup:
 
#25 · (Edited)
Good post, I JUST bought last year's 2013 Rossignol Krypto Magtek, after mining the internet for seemingly forever......my wife was getting a bit irritated at me hyper-analysing it! Ha ha, too funny! I got a screamin' deal too ($282 to my door!). I've been on a 162cm Burton Malolo (wide tip, tapered back, 100% camber ol' style) since 2006, and have had the itch for something with new board shape tech. I'm not quite as 'fat', hovering at 205, but I was getting a bit tired of dragging my toes and heels when really cranked over on my Malolo - I'm pretty excited about getting a 'mid-wide' that will nicely accomodate my 11 boots.

I've had my fair share of lower back issues (thinning disc gives me 'issues' from time to time), and I deliberately got Flow bindings so I don't have to do the sit/stoop thing....Yeah, I've heard all the neg's about Flows, but they work for me, and the ease of getting in/out is even better than the somewhat temperamental K2's (my wife has those, and they give her fits)

Sure, the 2013 is heinously ugly in photos (I'm sure it looks better in person) - at least the graphics will surely discourage thefts of opportunity!

 
#27 ·
.....wish I could figure out how to do that!! I drop a few during the season, but I find after I've spent all day on the slope, in cold and riding first to last chair? I'm freakin' RAVENOUS!! :blink: I usually end up eating a lot when Im done for the day.[/QUOTE]

Great book for us fat farts… Why We Get FAT By Gary Taubes
 
#29 ·
Just rode my new 164 wide krypto yesterday. I love the board. Super stiff and not very forgiving like my k2 viper i was riding but you can just rip down the hill, hit icey parts and just keep going faster and faster nothing stops you it just grips onto the hill.
 
#30 ·
I'm so incredibly looking forward to riding a board that actually has some serious edge grip and speed capability, while still serving up some float and moves in the trees.....my old Burton was not exactly confidence inspiring when letting er rip on the groomers (but nice in the deep trees), but I've been at this snowboarding thing for a while (1997), and learned to compensate for all that....Seems like technology has finally taken another leap forward on this board. It'll be nice to lay into a carve, without having my kickstand ding the tarmac....
 
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