New Board

[gunner252]

It seems these are never ending threads. I'm in the market for a new board, as I feel I am ready to upgrade from my 2010 Salomon Ace. That's my first board, and I'm looking for something lighter and with more pop - more of a freestyle board. I'm 5'9" and 150lbs. I've been riding for a few years, and have been out west to CO (Breck several times & Keystone). I'm looking for a lightweight board that can handle aggressive carves and has good/great pop and can handle pow on the off chance I'll get the opportunity. I'm currently looking at (in no particular order):

K2 Turbo Dream
K2 Slayblade
Lib Tech Attack Banana
Rome Mod Rocker
GNU Dirty Pillow

Here's the caveat - I ride regular, but my left (front) leg isn't as strong as my right leg, due to a car accident years ago. I only mention that, because I think that affects my ability to ollie/jump so I would really prefer a board with good pop. I'm a fairly aggressive rider, more of a speed person than a trick rider, but I want to strengthen my jumping ability. Nothing crazy though. Any comments on the above boards or new suggestions?

[bseracka]

General pop from most to least:
1. Traditional camber
2. Flat
3. Hybrid Camber
4. Rocker

That being said pop in any one of these designs can be augmented with carbon, wood, metal and construction techniques. All of these designs will also offer dead boards and poppy ones. Personally I'd buy a board with the camber shape that best suits the type of riding you want to do.

[gunner252]

Originally Posted by bseracka

General pop from most to least:
1. Traditional camber
2. Flat
3. Hybrid Camber
4. Rocker

That being said pop in any one of these designs can be augmented with carbon, wood, metal and construction techniques. All of these designs will also offer dead boards and poppy ones. Personally I'd buy a board with the camber shape that best suits the type of riding you want to do.

Got it, thanks!

[Nivek]

Mod Rocker hands down your best option in your list. And many other lists as well. If you can afford it its a solid do everything board. Maybe a little much on jibs, but still doable with some muscle.

[ThunderChunky]

I second the Mod Rocker. Even the Mod if anyone had it. Though it's really stiff, it's supposed to mellow out once you break it in but still has the pop from the rods. If you're not a dominate jump and freeride guy then I would go with rocker. Think I just bought the last Mod positive camber around a few days ago that's a reasonable size.

[gimmy]

Ever think about the gnu park pickle? I think that is one kick-ass freestyle board with loads of pop and jibbing ability, but still can hold pretty well on the rest of the mountain...maybe they should rename it to the mountain mango i didnt think of that one, but I'd like to imagine I was only a second away. I have heard about the mod rocker, and that it has an okay pop. Hope this post did not annoy you. Happy Riding.

[gunner252]

Originally Posted by Nivek

Mod Rocker hands down your best option in your list. And many other lists as well. If you can afford it its a solid do everything board. Maybe a little much on jibs, but still doable with some muscle.

I was kind of thinking that too. From what I've read/seen on reviews, everyone talks about how much pop it has & how well it does in pow & carving. Thanks!

Originally Posted by ThunderChunky

I second the Mod Rocker. Even the Mod if anyone had it. Though it's really stiff, it's supposed to mellow out once you break it in but still has the pop from the rods. If you're not a dominate jump and freeride guy then I would go with rocker. Think I just bought the last Mod positive camber around a few days ago that's a reasonable size.

Good to know, thanks. One problem, I'm having a hard time finding it anywhere online. Maybe it'll start showing up in a month or so.

Originally Posted by gimmy

Ever think about the gnu park pickle? I think that is one kick-ass freestyle board with loads of pop and jibbing ability, but still can hold pretty well on the rest of the mountain...maybe they should rename it to the mountain mango i didnt think of that one, but I'd like to imagine I was only a second away. I have heard about the mod rocker, and that it has an okay pop. Hope this post did not annoy you. Happy Riding.

I looked at the Park Pickle for a minute, but it seems like it's geared more towards 'park' riding. That's my only hesitancy.

[hktrdr]

Originally Posted by gunner252

[SNIP]
I looked at the Park Pickle for a minute, but it seems like it's geared more towards 'park' riding. That's my only hesitancy.

That is a common misperception. In fact, I believe they are dropping the 'Park' from the name this season exactly because of that.

[ThunderChunky]

Originally Posted by gunner252

I was kind of thinking that too. From what I've read/seen on reviews, everyone talks about how much pop it has & how well it does in pow & carving. Thanks!

Good to know, thanks. One problem, I'm having a hard time finding it anywhere online. Maybe it'll start showing up in a month or so.

I looked at the Park Pickle for a minute, but it seems like it's geared more towards 'park' riding. That's my only hesitancy.

You're not gonna be able to find it. I was talking about the 12 model and it's sold out everywhere. If you manage to find it though. Sounds like you if you can handle the posi caber.

[gunner252]

Originally Posted by hktrdr

That is a common misperception. In fact, I believe they are dropping the 'Park' from the name this season exactly because of that.

It just seemed to be too buttery, not stiff enough, but I could be wrong.

Originally Posted by ThunderChunky

You're not gonna be able to find it. I was talking about the 12 model and it's sold out everywhere. If you manage to find it though. Sounds like you if you can handle the posi caber.

I've found the 2013 for sale online, just cant find much info on the 2013 model (i.e. what, if anything, is different between the 2012 & 2013 model? typically not a lot, but it sounds like in the mod rocker case there have been a few technological advances from the 2012 model). I DO like the graphics on the 2012 model more than the 2013 model.