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First board selection

2K views 33 replies 8 participants last post by  SlvrDragon50 
#1 ·
Hi! I went snowboarding for the first time this past season and really enjoyed it even if I couldn't do toe-turns very well and fell down repeatedly. I want to get a board since I think it'd pay itself off really quickly and not to mention I was less than pleased with the boots + bindings I was renting. I'll most likely be going to icier regions in the midwest or northeast.

About me:
5'10"
~175lbs, I am trying to bulk up a bit more, but I do have a good amount of fat I can shed too so probably around the same range.
Looking to just ride all mountain, no parks.

Now, where I am getting confused is the sizing of the board. I've read guides saying I should use a 163 cm board, and here I am reading that people say even 160 cm is quite large for someone my size. I've read jed's guide, and it seems like 160cm is a decent sweet spot. However, seeing as I am unable to try on boards or anything of the sort, I have to really take a guess and hope for the best. I've been looking at used boards since I'd prefer to save a bit on the board + bindings and spend more on the boots, and I'm wondering what sizes I shouldn't get. I was looking at Burton's size charts, and the range of weights is just so large and not too helpful. I've seen some nice boards here like a Lib Tech TRS XC2 as well as on eBay. Also been looking at Arbor Element, Burton Process, and Burton Custom (obviously not new). I have been more hesitant since a lot of the cheaper used boards seem to be camber or CRC rather than dominant rocker. Or should I just wait a couple months for off season sales to really start.

I'm hoping to spend <$500 for everything. I already have some nice goggles and helmet so no need to budget for that.

tl;dr: what board sizes are too small/too large? I know, personal preference, but I can't try these out.

Thank you!
 
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#2 ·
Good for you for doing some homework and you're on the right track

Boots are # 1 on you priority list. Don't worry about what boot you get, focus on getting the one that fits you best. Read the boot fitting thread here on the forum.

Now after you have very good fitting boots, you'll know what size of binding to get.

Board. Given your size, you want to be in the 156 to 160 range for your first board. Don't move outside this range just for a "deal" on a board. Regarding boards, don't be afraid of a camber deck. Most of us learned on a camber deck and it is the best profile to ensure that you develop good technique habits.

Good Luck !
 
#3 ·
Okay, thanks for the specific range! So follow up question on the camber then, I have read that rockers let you get away with sloppy habits which I am not a fan of. I like to get good habits from the getgo. I really like the Lib Tech boards with their tech, but man those graphics... not a huge fan of them haha. Now I am browsing their site, and they have boards organized by "skill level". I assume this is because of the profile + flex. Is there any reason to follow their skill level suggestions and avoid the TRS XC2?
 
#6 ·
Oh haha. Mind explaining? Maybe I've been reading too much about Magne-traction and BTX.

Is there anything I need to look out for when buying a used board? I'd prefer to buy from someone here since I assume everyone here is a pretty honest person if they're on a forum. I've seen some nice deals on eBay for Burton boards+bindings, but the descriptions are pretty much nonexistent. I'm really tempted to just wait 2 months for off-season blowouts.

I've got a size 9 Nike shoe so I'm pretty sure I'm okay with all regular boards!
 
#5 ·
FWIW: I am 6'1", 210# right now and my boards are camber dominant, 3@160 and 1@162. I have a rockered board @ 154 which I just use to play around on when I go locally since the mountain isn't that big. I personally don't think I would want to go any bigger. My first board many years ago, when I was your weight was a 157 and I was happy with that size at the time.

Depending on your boot size, you may want to pay attention to the width of the boards as well.
 
#9 ·
For northeast and icier conditions, you should look for RCR boards (camber in the middle). Realistically you will be ok with a 156 on the small hills of the North East as it will be plenty for 1,000 vertical feet hill. I would be less focus on brand and more focus on profile of the board for your riding/terrain.

While magnatraction and vario grip, etc., will help on icy conditions you will be better off and feel more stable with a board with a mostly camber profile.

Having said that, I'm personally not a fan of lib tech, gnu, or never summer because most of their boards are CRC. (rocker the middle)

My recs would be, in no specific order.:

Yes The Greats (twin)
Rossi One (twin or mostly twin)
Burton Flight Attendant (set back)
Salomon The Villain (twin)
Salomon Assassin (twin)
 
#10 · (Edited)
I'm going to chime in and also suggest that the boots should maybe be your number one focus - especially if you have a tight budget. Get the best fitting boots you can. A proper fitting boot is probably going to give you the best "bang for buck" in terms of performance and progression. You can always rent or demo boards afterwards to dial in exactly what you want while you scope out great deals. You could get the sickest board out there, but if your feet are swimming all around in crap boots and your feet are killing you after 4 hours... you're not going to progress too well.

While traditional camber boards are proven and many old-schoolers like to point out that learning on them teaches you better habits (it does), I would still look at RCR boards and even possibly "flat". Both have the advantage of being more catch-free and forgiving, but still hold an edge well. Based on where you said you'd be riding, I'd probably stay away from full-rockers and CRC if you're going to be seeing the icy groomed slopes that frequent many New England hills.

Out of curiosity, what about the rental equipment made you less than pleased?
 
#11 ·
I know it's mostly technique since I was new, but the bindings I had kept slipping. The first time I rented it was a cheap Head rental board (all of them were the same) with matching boots. It was really tough to initiate turns. The second time, I was using a proper Burton board + bindings, but the bindings would slip a bit. Also, the boots I was using had a pinch point in the toe box (size 9) on only my left foot (larger foot). Also, I don't like traditional laces.

I've been thinking about K2 Ryker boots right now.
 
#19 ·
Well, I was looking at Angry Snowboarder, and he has the Custom X under free ride while the Lago and now I see the Process FV under park. Is there a reason why the Lago Open Road isn't recommended? I think my hesitation is coming from spending $315 on just a board vs. <$400 for a used Custom X and bindings.
 
#22 ·
The Open Road and Double Barrel are both good boards with one leaning more towards freeriding and powder and the other towards playfulness and freestyle. The latter is what you want for learning on. I don't know much about the Coda but I'm not a fan of full rocker although apparently Arbor's is one of the best. In a couple of years if you want to try a tiny rockered noodle and/or a massive stiff freeride weapon then all good. For now its probably best if you get the basics down on something more middle of the road and conventional.
 
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