tekniq33

Height: 6'2"
Weight: ~180lbs (no gear)
Boot: Burton SLX sz. 11
Ability: advanced freeride, intermediate park
Current Boards: 2009 Never Summer Evo-R 158, 2004 (?) Nitro Shogun 163

Trying to decide if I should pick up a new freeride board now or wait to hear about/try to demo next years offerings.

I am looking for something that is fast, stiff, good float and can hit some natural features. What comments do you have on these boards? Assuming I can find my size, should I make a move on one of these now, or wait until next year?

2010 Slayblade (tried this and loved it, unsure of how it handles pow. Like this years graphic better than next.)
2010 Premier F1-R (used in fresh @ Breck and loved it, damp, stable, fast. kind of stupid but do I want two Never Summers?)
2010 Gnu Billy Goat C2 (Similar to NS rocker tech, MTX for east coast, good powder float, temple rips it in Baker.
2010 Lib Tech T.Rice C2 (see above and T. Rice enough said. is this board stiffer/more damp then NS SL-R? foudn SL-R to be too similar to Evo for what I want.)

2011 Boards
NS Raptor (hearing good things about this, possibly too much board for east coast and limited west trips)
Jones Flagship (see above. BMJJ is my favorite rider would love to support the brand, tech looks sick)
Jones Mountain Twin (don't know much)
NS Heritage (slightly stiffer than SL-R, more big mountain freestyle?)
K2 Zero (flatline in 2011)

werdup88

If you can find your board and size now why not get it since most stuff is on sale or going on sale, you cant always wait for the next years cause its better, cause the year after that it will be better aswell, understand?

tekniq33

you are missing the point, only one of those 2011 boards (Heritage) even exist right now. The others are all new, not just a better version of this years model.

Mr. Polonia

look into the burton supermodel X...im seriously debating that board, i just have to do some more research as far as how it handles on hardpack being that its slightly tapered at the tail.
Other than that, it has good float and its base is just as fast as the custom x or t6

__________________
Practice + Bruising = Snowboarding

CoopersTroopers

It's the classic case of "waiting for godot". There will always be something newer/better coming.

The 2011 K2 Zero and Slayblade aren't all new; they are upgraded versions trading a little technology. The Slayblade switches to a new base material (same as the Zero), and the Zero switches shape to Flatline from camber (same as the Slayblade). I actually like the bottom sheet of the 2011, but the top sheet of the 2010. If I can find my size, I might jump on one with season end sales kicking up.

tomek142

You have to check out the 2011 Capita Black Snowboard of Death. This board is a hybrid camber with positive camber between the feet and flat kick in the tail and nose. THis board has made some huge hype and it will be a very popular board.

Review made by Shay.

Snowfox

The Raptor is supposed to be similar to the F1 apparently. There's a review in the equipment review forum about it and they talk about the similarities in some detail...

I think the main thing is that you've tried a board and that you like it. If you want to wait to try other ones/new ones, that's fine, but the bottom line is what YOU like and what makes YOU feel comfortable on the mountain.

(End Note: No problem at all of having two of any company's boards. If you have had a good experience with the previous board, that should just make you more willing to buy a board from that same company)

linvillegorge

Exactly. The next best thing will always be just around the corner. I recommend buying when you find what you want at a price you're willing to pay.