Help Selecting My First Snowboard - Snowboarding Forum

02-21-2008, 02:29 PM

This will be my first snowboard and I'm looking for a very versatile board that will not only handle ANY and ALL terrain in an excellent manner, but will also adapt easily to my expertise level as I become a more advanced rider. I consider myself a beginning-intermediate right now - I'm still having problems with toe turns. Is there such a thing as an all-around great board that will be forgiving to beginners yet satisfy and even please advanced riders? I now know that I will get a board length between 150 - 155.

(Update #1)
I've managed to narrow my list down to the Lib Tech TRS MTX and the K2 Darkstar. All of the folks who responded to my above original post have provided me with great alternatives and it has been immensely difficult for me to decide. In any case, of my two finalists, which should I go with and what board length? Thank you so much for your help!

02-21-2008, 02:58 PM

I would seriously look into the Atomic Alibi. It has year after year won Transworld's "Best Wood" award... In my opinion it is the best all around board, and I have been riding it since I first started snowboarding, and have never been persuaded to go to another board. It is an amazing board for both freeride and freestyle.

Zee · 02-21-2008, 03:13 PM

Looks like you are looking for a freestyle oriented board rather than big mountain, I'd suggest seriously looking at the Gnu Carbon High Beam (MTX is a plus) - it's only ~$320 with MTX in a 153 or 156.

You will find the Rider's Choice or the TRS a bit stiff as a beginner.

I can't comment on the other boards.

Peace

PS. Get good boots that fit

sedition · 02-21-2008, 03:20 PM

I'll post something of more substance later on, but for now, you should read this:

The Snowboard Buying Guide at CJU.com

02-22-2008, 12:52 AM

Well, I've updated my original post. Please read it. Essentially, I'm trying to decide between the Lib Tech TRS MTX and the K2 Darkstar. Would also like some advice on board length based on my height/weight. Thanks.

sedition · 02-22-2008, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcheung

Would also like some advice on board length based on my height/weight.

I take it you didn't read that link? Height is entirly irrelvent to what size board you should get.

You need to figure out what kid of riding your going to be doing the most of. This will dictate a longer or shorter board. Then, look at the various manufactures web sites and see what their recomended weight range is for a given deck size. Then, choose accoridngly.

02-22-2008, 11:56 AM

I recently bought my first board.

It is a K2 After Dark, which is basically the Wide version of the Darkstar( I have big feet). I am a beginner and I ride groomed, icy east coast hills. I was riding rental Burtons, mostly customs, and it is like night and day. I find this board very easy to control and it fits me. Mind you I am over 200lbs, and hear this board can feel like a 2x4 to someone who is lighter.

02-21-2008, 02:29 PM	#1 (permalink)
rcheung Guest Posts: n/a	Help Selecting My First Snowboard This will be my first snowboard and I'm looking for a very versatile board that will not only handle ANY and ALL terrain in an excellent manner, but will also adapt easily to my expertise level as I become a more advanced rider. I consider myself a beginning-intermediate right now - I'm still having problems with toe turns. Is there such a thing as an all-around great board that will be forgiving to beginners yet satisfy and even please advanced riders? I now know that I will get a board length between 150 - 155. (Update #1) I've managed to narrow my list down to the Lib Tech TRS MTX and the K2 Darkstar. All of the folks who responded to my above original post have provided me with great alternatives and it has been immensely difficult for me to decide. In any case, of my two finalists, which should I go with and what board length? Thank you so much for your help! Last edited by rcheung; 02-22-2008 at 09:14 AM. Reason: Updating status of my board selection process

02-21-2008, 03:20 PM	#4 (permalink)
sedition -LIFETIME MEMBER- Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 2,744	I'll post something of more substance later on, but for now, you should read this: The Snowboard Buying Guide at CJU.com __________________ "Nancy Ninja Nabs Nefarious Nymph. Pays Price Per Pissed Pants!" -Flick "Up, up, my people, let smoke and flame be our sign!" -The White Rose Society

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02-21-2008, 02:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
YoZUpZ Guest Posts: n/a	I would seriously look into the Atomic Alibi. It has year after year won Transworld's "Best Wood" award... In my opinion it is the best all around board, and I have been riding it since I first started snowboarding, and have never been persuaded to go to another board. It is an amazing board for both freeride and freestyle.

02-21-2008, 03:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
Zee -LIFETIME MEMBER- Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 1,423	Looks like you are looking for a freestyle oriented board rather than big mountain, I'd suggest seriously looking at the Gnu Carbon High Beam (MTX is a plus) - it's only ~$320 with MTX in a 153 or 156. You will find the Rider's Choice or the TRS a bit stiff as a beginner. I can't comment on the other boards. Peace PS. Get good boots that fit

02-22-2008, 12:52 AM	#5 (permalink)
rcheung Guest Posts: n/a	Well, I've updated my original post. Please read it. Essentially, I'm trying to decide between the Lib Tech TRS MTX and the K2 Darkstar. Would also like some advice on board length based on my height/weight. Thanks.

02-22-2008, 11:56 AM	#7 (permalink)
Netstalker Guest Posts: n/a	I recently bought my first board. It is a K2 After Dark, which is basically the Wide version of the Darkstar( I have big feet). I am a beginner and I ride groomed, icy east coast hills. I was riding rental Burtons, mostly customs, and it is like night and day. I find this board very easy to control and it fits me. Mind you I am over 200lbs, and hear this board can feel like a 2x4 to someone who is lighter.