dc5girl

I'm looking to buy a snowboard but I'm unsure about what length to get. Some websites are suggesting that I go for 146 or 148, but when I rented my first time (last year), I was given a 151. I'm 5'7", 115 lbs (hoping to be 125 by the time I ride, though), and my normal shoe size is an 8.5. I'm a beginner and I'll be freeriding (so. cal). Please give me some suggestions
Thanks!

BRAISKI

* I am also a beginner and did some research too from some places, friends, stores and here...

Most ppl will tell you best would be between your nose and your chin would perfect.

I am about 5'6" and I got a 152 cm board it levels around my nose. I wanted to get something shorter (for better control) but unfortunately for me 152 was the only size and the price was perfect.

I know at least 2 guys @ work that are like 6'3" or and they have 155cm boards I was like wtf! They want to be able to control more than going fast... Plus they feel comfortable with it...

Maybe next year when I am better I might get a 146-150 board...

When I was renting I was using 150 I think...


Oh I guess you drive an RSX?

boarderaholic

Length of board depends on what you do...generally speaking, you want to go shorter for park, and longer for freeride. Board length usuall depends on weight, riding style, boot size, and budget. At your weight, I'd go with something like a 151-ish for freeriding. This also depends on what type of freeriding you're doing. If you're riding groomers all the time, then you can do well on the 151, if you're riding pow, I'd definately go longer.

dc5girl

thanks for the info.. i've seen your username on crsx before lol

dc5girl

do you guys have any suggestions in terms of brands? i've been looking at forum aura, forum star, burton troop, burton feelgood, and k2 luna... are those okay for beginners?

swmike

Howdy! Welcome.
You'll most likely be getting alot of advice on this one. So here's mine:
- The length of the board should generally, if you stand it up next to you - come between your chin and forehead. The heavier you are, the higher on that scale.
- Your shoe size doesn't matter unless it's over about a 10.5. Then they make wider boards. So you are good there.

Subjective on riding...
- a shorter board is easier to learn on and turn
- a longer board is faster and more stable at high speed

So - with all of that - at your weight I'd suggest something that comes around your chin woudl be a great place to start.

Burton Feelgood is what my daughters both started on. Decent for starting! Older one works at a shop in CO and still loves her Rome boards.

boarderaholic

No...height has almost nothing to do with board length, unless you're doing whacky stuff with your stance width...

As for beginner boards, O-Matic Tara Dakides, Rome Vinyl, Ride Solace/Vista, Atomic Tues/Tika, Salomon Lark/Lily.

swmike

says... oh yea, YOU. Sorry, my mistake.



yea, yea, it's cool every other year to say it does/doesn't. But look at physics... the higher an object is, the wider it's base should be. And board makers know we use that as a rule - moreso important for guys - so they strengthen them accordingly. So it happens to be true within a range. But hey... go with the trend of a few years ago and say it ain't so. She asked for suggestions. I gave one point of view... it happens to be from a guy that has taken 3 daughters and a son through the "first snowboard" experience. You give your vast knowledge and she'll do what makes the most sense. Let's see, the reason he gave for size having nothing to do with it again was....

dc5girl

okay so if i go with the feelgood, do you guys recommend the 149 or 152? i'm leaning more towards the 149 since i'm still a noob...?

are forum or k2 boards good?

swmike

I'd ask at the shop you plan on purchasing from between those two sizes. 149 is probably going to do it. These shop employees usually go through several clinics - one from each manufacturer each year to help you make these kinds of decisions.

Both reasonable companies. The ski makers like K2 have definitely caught up and some might say surpassed most of the board-only companies. Solomon is highly recommended - not real popular, but a solid board.

There is not going to be a huge difference - but if your desire is to learn to ride quicker than your desire to rip down the mountain - you go with the smaller board. It will be just a bit easier to maneuver as you are learning the various movements to turn a board, etc. The longer the board - the more skill and energy needed with every turn. And careful taking any advice without the person backing it up with examples, explanations... that seems to be the norm around here.

Hey, and have fun!!