Just bought an SL... worried that I should have bought a Proto?
 

I'm not a complete beginner, but currently I'm just learning to perfect basics like dynamic linked turns and carving. After I'm super solid in those areas I want to try both pipe and park, and eventually set my mind to really learn one or the other (whichever I like more).

I recently purchased a NS SL as my first board due to multiple recommendations and things I've read. But now I'm starting to read about the Proto. From what I understand its basically a less damp, more freestyle-oriented version of the SL. Should I have bought the Proto instead?

Really though, what are the advantages of the SL to someone in my position? I don't think I would be riding much powder here in Socal, and dampening sounds kind of unnecessary IMO (correct me if I'm wrong). Also the setback of the SL worries me since I may be landing switch a lot once I progress..

The SL is a great board to learn I on (I did). Don't over analyze it.

What he said. Enjoy your new ride, it's a great board.

You can still center the stance if you want and it's not a tun of a set back. I think it's only like 1/2" so that's not much and it also, I believe has a twin side cut not a directional witch should make switch riding easy. The board is described as a directional "twinish" shape. The SL is supposed to be a great all around board and should be able to handle the park fine. As you progress tho you may want something like an evo or something similar that is softer to play around on to complement the SL thus starting your own quiver you hear people talk about!

oh boy you are soooo fucked!

What he said.

It'll only be fun for the first few times you use it. Then it will no longer be fun & you won't progress.

TT

This..... I had an SL and just sold it on here. I rode it centered. I did go out and replace it with a Proto because I do like a true twin and the SL was too small for my big ass.

Dampening is useful if you like to go fast, ride in snow that is *not* powder or groomed powder. It is also useful for landing on jumps that are slashed/bombed out from other people heel-sliding down the landings.

I think the SL is a fine choice for you (I have both a SL and a Proto and I could only one board, it would be the SL, not the Proto).

The SL is the shit, it sounds like it will be perfect for what your doing.

I was pretty pissed though when they came out with the proto a year after i bought my SL... but I do love me some park.

But if your still learning your turns and carving I think the SL is actually better.

Im jealous of whoever said they have the SL AND the Proto

Do you notice a big difference when your hauling ass between both boards?

How about jumps? I think my SL is pretty damn poppy but I imagine a decent more on the Proto?