Board Boots and Bindings

Yo,

I just got into snowboarding this season with my school's PE class. I've gone six times so far and it's been awesome. I've rented gear each time and would like to purchase my own for the tail end of this season and the many more to come. Before I ask any questions, here is some important information:


Weight: 215 (6')
Boot size: 10/10.5
Riding style: hills for now, eventually want to break into park
Age: 20
budget: Looking to spend ~500 on board/boots/bindings
Your location of riding: Central and Western New York


I'll start with the board. I'm looking for an all-terrain board since I just do greens/blues right now, but I would like to improve and tackle the harder runs and venture into the park. The boards that I have rented have typically been from 158-160, but after the reading I have done, I think I'm going to shoot for a longer board, probably 163-166; let me know if this is a good idea. Also, how much does a wide board differ from a normal sized one. My boots will probably be near the switching point and I'm not sure which one to scout for.

Here are some of the prospects I've come up with:

Flow Infinite

Rome Solution

Gnu MTX

Ride Control & Antic

Flow Diskord



For bindings, I think I'm going to get Burton Cartels, in a size Large. Will these fit the boards I'm looking at, and will they be compatible with most boots?


Finally, boots. I'm going to hit up the snowboard shop asap to try them on to see which ones fit the best. I'm hoping the BOA lacing system isn't uncomfortable because I absolutely hate tying up laces, and I can never seem to get the tightness right. Are there any brands/models that I should try on first? Also, what type of flex should I be looking to get?

[Dawg Catcher]

[legallyillegal]

The Flow Infinite is a good board.

You'll be looking for something in the low 160s.

You don't need a wide-specific board as most boards at that length will be wide enough (there are exceptions).

Cartels are good (you will need a 4 hole or universal disc to mount them on a regular board).

Boots - stay away from the cheap noname brands like Lamar and 5150. You'll be looking for a mid-flex (at least 5/10).

Originally Posted by Dawg Catcher

i strangle puppies

Originally Posted by legallyillegal

The Flow Infinite is a good board.

You'll be looking for something in the low 160s.

You don't need a wide-specific board as most boards at that length will be wide enough (there are exceptions).

Cartels are good (you will need a 4 hole or universal disc to mount them on a regular board).

Boots - stay away from the cheap noname brands like Lamar and 5150. You'll be looking for a mid-flex (at least 5/10).

Thanks for the help man, I just ordered a 163 Infinite ( the last one in stock )

I think I'm going to look into Flow bindings to make sure they're compatible

[Woosenheimer]

Goog choice on the Infinite, I ride the 164 Wide and i LOVE it. I was bout to suggest the 163 foro you and then saw that you have already purchased it. This board will be quite a bit easier to ride than any rental you've been on and it is 10x faster! This board BOMBS! Good luck with it. I have the flow M11 bindings on mine but i just use this board for a primarily freeride board. You make want to look into those (the blue m11's match the board perfectly) or if you are looking more towards freestlye the m9's or nxt-at's or nxt-fs's. Those are just flow brand suggestions on the bindings. Obvously you'll get the reccomendations of rome 390, targa and many others.

Also, I've only see one other infinite on the hill this year so i'm assuming its not that popular of a board which is nice. Also, it has 4 discrete naked ladies...

Nice board, you can still throw on the cartels i've had both the 3d and the est versions, love them both, can set them up exactly how i want them...easily. They come with the universal mounting disc (4hole) and the 3D(burton) mounting discs in the box.

[jmacphee9]

flow bindings are nice but i have never used the cheaper models, i love my NXTs. people usually say anything under the M9 is not worth it.

[$ickZ06]

I tried on some Burton Ions today and they were SOO comfortable. I think I'm going to return my Northwaves and get the Ions. The Ion's are reduced footprint so it will help my clunky size 12's.