SMS1977

I really need some expert advice on which board to buy.

Height: 5'11
Weight: 160
Type of Riding: Freeride(I will never go into the park)
Location: North East (Toronto)
Ability: beginner

I just started riding this year and really really enjoy it. I am fortunate enough to be married to a former ski and snowboard instructor. I am looking at a new board for myself (I am presently riding my wife's 6 year old GNU 153). I realize that all of the boards I am considering are beyond my skill level but I want to get something that will last me a number of years and that I can grow into. I ride on groomers and we never get powder like in BC, etc.

Unfortunately I cannot demo some of the boards that I am considering. I am looking for help on choosing one of these boards and the best size. The 4 boards and sizes I am considering:

1. GNU Altered Genetics (155 - the 159 would be waaay to big for me);
2. Lib Tech TRS BTX (not sure if the 154 or 157 would be better and I think the T.Rice might be too stiff);
3. Never Summer SL-R (155 - again I think the 158 would be too big for me); and'
4. Burton Custom (156).

Thoughts/recommendations/advice please.

Thanks in advance

DennisK

158-159 is perfectly fine for you, especially you will be doing alot of free riding. All those sound like solid choices, and I can't say how much. All those boards are really solid choices. Having ridden the custom alot, I'd recommend it if you can get it for 250$.

$ickZ06

Anything you get will be better than your wife's six year old board but I would go with the Never Summer SL-R. I absolutely love my never summer board.

__________________
2009 Never Summer Legacy 166cm (All mountain)
2009 Ride CAD Bindings
2009 Burton Ion Boots

2009 Forum Youngblood 155cm (Park)
2009 Burton Cartel Bindings

shredder07

i am the same size as you and i ride a 159 trs btx. you won't be disappointed with the board. if you're looking strictly for a freeride board, you should look into arbor as well.

Triple8Sol

A and B are great choices. C is not.

__________________
14 NeverSummer Proto HD . 13 Never Summer Cobra . 12 Gnu Rider's Choice C2PTX
13 Now IPO . 12 K2 Formula . 11 K2 Formula
13 NB x 686 580

SMS1977

Triple8Sol:

By choice "C" do you mean the NS SL-R and if so what makes you say that? Also interested as to why you think A and B are good choices. Finally do you think the GNU could be too stiff or advanced for a novice rider?

Thanks

gitan69

Yo SL-R 155 is a solid choice - most durable and tons of fun! I have the freestyle revolver and love NS! peace

Rocketbass88

I wouldn't get the Burton, but the other 3 are great choices. Just go for which one you like the most.

sonicjai

I would recommend the Burton Custom. Great all around mountain board. There is a reason why it's been a top seller board for over 7 years.

shredder07

ya its because burton pretty much owns the market. smaller companies are not as popular as burton but still make quality products. from a technological perspective, with the money you spend on a custom (or even less), you could get a better deck with more tech in it.