corlay

Hello All.
Great forum!

I've spent some time over the past week lurking, and reading *lots* of past posts,
trying to learn as much as possible about board, binding and boot choices that will likely suit me.

I'm an avid Nordic skiier, now;
and hung-up my downhill gear back in 1994.

I'm 40yrs. old.
5'10", 185#
Size 9 1/2 (or so) boot (10.5 US street shoe size)

This will be my second season snowboarding in the north-east.
(think more "groomed" or "ice" vs. "powder")
I rented equipment last season, which was some entry-level Rossignal board with click-in bindings.
I am looking to buy my own gear this season, used if I can find it, or possibly new;
if I can piece-together a deal on 2009 stuff for $200-$300 for board + binding.
A third option will be to do a season-long rental from my local shop, but at this point,
it's very likely their stuff is pretty picked over.

Help me with some choices?
These are the makes/models/sizes that I've come across on the 'net that I think would make for decent choices, and that also are discounted heavily and fit my budget:

Board
Ride Control (162)
Flow Merc (160)
K2 Podium (159)
Forum Stomper (157/162)
Palmer Burn (158/160)
Forum Recon (158)

Binding
Ride EX
K2 Formula
Union Cadet

The Merc/EX or Cadet combination would be the most economical,
the Podium /Formula the most expensive.

I'd like something that I can progress with for a few seasons,
snowboarding with my 9yr. old Son (we learned together).
I will likely get out 6-12 times this year, depending upon snowfall.
I have absolutely no interest in "park" riding, and just want a nice cruiser setup,
where I can have some fun on the groomed trails at my few, small, local resorts

Thanks!

Augie09

I am no expert on any of those choices but if it were me, I'd pick k2 podium and union cadets or k2 binders

sumo28

also not that much experience with those boards but you checked evogear right? their deal100 coupon is pretty sweet.
i like the k2 formulas and i'd look at the k2 autos in purple/plaid lol. i do know that those forums are their entry-level boards and the stomper was only made in 08 and 09. but if you're only cruising any of those directional all mountain boards would be great i'm sure.

Glade Ripper

I would also go with the podium out of those choices but I would put Ride ex bindings on it just because I use Ride bindings, have never had a problem with them and love some of the features they offer (canted footbed, rubber mesh-like toe strap)

corlay

hey, thanks!

that deal100 wasn't there last night...only the 50.

iKimshi

Don't know much about the boards but my friend has a pair of 08 K2 Formulas and really liked them. I'm thinking about asking him if I could try using them this season. And BA has good reviews about them as well.

corlay

adding Gnu CHB to the list,
based upon good recommendations for this manufacturer's boards used on Eastern slopes.
(MTX/BTX)

question: With this board, something shorter than typical is better, yes?

If my normal range is 159-162, would my best bet be a 157 for the CHB?

thanks for all the great advice so far.
greatly appreciated!