Board Size?¿?¿?

[DiamondCarver]

I'm 15, and an experienced rider thats been riding the same board since i was 11. It's decent, but its made by Sobe?(not sure if this is a good thing). Basically, i have the money and im ready to upgrade. I'm mostly the freeride type and just like to explore the mountain, but recently i've been getting into some park riding(medium kickers, rails, boxes). So after a bunch of research, i'm interested in the Salomon Ace -> Save on Salomon Ace Snowboard White 156 - Mens Snowboard Snowboarding Gear Equipment I'm just not sure whether i should get the 153 or the 156? I want to keep great freeride capabilities, but also be able to make progress in the park,(Or if you have any other board suggestions/sizes under $300 (with sidewall construction)) I'm 5'8" 140lbs and have size 11 feet.

[rdot84]

Check out this site.( Snowboard Sizing Guide, Size Calculator ) They have a pretty extensive board size calculator. It will even show you some recommended boards. Its really up to how you want your ride to be. If you're going to be freeriding more i would go with the 156. I would definatley get a directional-twin shape. I have a 156 Rossi One Mag and it runs great in the park and on the cliff face.

[Nivek]

Most people don't know that boards with beverage company names on them are not really meant to be ridden...they're meant for the wall. They are real snowboards an all but just really made for the wall.

Bummer you just missed the CAPiTA Black Death on whiskeymilitia for $255 oh well.

I really recommend upgrading beyond the Ace if you can. The CAPiTA FCG would definitely be a solid choice. If you can find one, the MHT is last years version of it so it will be in your price range. Find a $400-$500 board from K2, Ride, Rome, Nitro, Capita, Forum, or Neversummer and then find last years version of it.

At your weight for a freeride board you can still ride park with, I'd try for something in the 153-155 range. Also try for a directional twin. Give ya the freeride performance with a more freestyle capable shape.

[DiamondCarver]

does an extra hundred dollars make that much of a difference? or is it just Salomon's quality? Wheres a good place to find last years boards? And does size 11 feet = wide board? thx for replies

I also looked up some of the brands you suggested and came up with: Nitro Shield Venti, Nitro Volume, Ride Agenda, and Nitro Fuser...........good or bad?

[Nivek]

For Nitro I'd go for a T1, T2, Team, or Team Art. For last years stuff your best bet is online.

Its not Salomons quality, its the extra $100. It really does make a difference.

11 is the border size. You can get away with either a standard or a wide. Try for something thats a midwide. A waist width between 25 and 25.7. For narrower boards a deeper sidecut will help, but isn't necessary.

A sobe board? That must be awfull to ride.(No offense) Personally I think 100 dollars will make a big difference. Sales would be on the internet and some shops for 08 gear now I think(But It's a bit late for shops).

[legallyillegal]

eh, SoBe boards were just custom graphic boards from other companies

Oh.. (Were they a promotion/free?)

[DiamondCarver]

The Sobe board's ok, not bad. My dad actually found it at a yard sale for 20 bucks(can't deny that!) I think the graphic is sick, but the ride is average. Sorry but im really on a budget, what would you suggest for UNDER $300? I'm really leaning towards the Nitro shield venti or Ride agenda, and still kind of eyeing the Salomon ace.

[Nivek]

the-house.com has some last year boards in your price range. I recommend the T0 and the MHT. The T0 has a convex base that flattens out in the tip and tail. Great for learning jibs. I recomend the first 6 over the last two even though they're the cheepest. Of the last two I suggest the Boron over the Recon. Nitro doesnt make the TO anymore cause the SubPop will basically replace it next year. I have the Sub Pop and really like the base. It also gives you some insurance or under or over-rotating.

Nitro T0 155 $279.95
CAPiTA MHT 152 $269.95
2 Nitro Misfits 152.6 $259.95
2 Nitro T0 152 $279.95
Nitro Eero Am 152 $249.95
Nitro T1 153 $279.95
Forum Recon 156 $239.95
Omatic Boron 156 $249.95

Thank me, I just did 20 minutes of work for you. yay me.