Stupid(?) Board length question

[syphabiscuit]

So, assuming that all boards I look at buying have blunted tips, I have an Evo 154 for park/domes, and a Proto 157 for riding the mountains. I really like these lengths and they feel as stable as they 'should' when I'm doing respective things on them. Say, I want a more freeride oriented board, would I then size up again to say 160 on a e.g Heritage? (not that I would get a 3rd NS board.... I don't think....)

And again if I wanted a stick for absolute pressing the absolute shit out of and buttering and jibbing and urban malarkey - would I go down to a e.g. 151 Arbor Draft?

Hope this isn't too stupid a question

[ralch]

You can calculate the board size simply by using this calculator.

[syphabiscuit]

Anyone with any credentials have an opinion? (no offence mate)

[david_z]

Calculator like that is basically for someone who doesn't know fuckall about what size board they need. It's a ballpark, best guess, based on some simple assumptions.

Suggests for me size 163-165 for all-mountain, which is longer than I'd ride except maybe for pow (although it's pretty accurate if you're assuming non-blunted, traditional camber). It suggests 159-161 for freestyle, which is longer than I ride (sweet spot for me is about 157).

Not saying the calculator doesn't have a purpose, but it ain't going to help you figure out if a 151 Draft is right for you.

[poutanen]

Originally Posted by syphabiscuit

Anyone with any credentials have an opinion? (no offence mate)

Actually those calculators aren't bad at all. Keeping in mind that they assume things and there aren't many variables.

I'm 170 lb, 5'7" and ride a 159 cm Freeride board. Tried an alternate calc and it's right on. I used to ride a 153 Freestyle board and the calc and it said 153 as well. I know it's just a coincidence but it seems pretty accurate.

Of course you have to take that number with a grain of salt, adjust for blunted tips, and adjust for specific needs.

Ulimately here a few centimeters is nothing. I would drink screech from a boot if somebody could tell the difference between identical boards that were 3-4 cm difference in length, by feel. I highly doubt I could tell the difference.

I felt a moderate difference going from a 153 to a 159, but my stance width also opened up by about an inch, and I went from a medium flex board/boot/binding combo to a stiff setup.

[tdn]

I'm actually surprised how accurate that calculator was too. Obviously, once you figure out your personal
preference you can adjust off of that, but that calculator is just as good as anyone else's opinion on here who isn't you.
The only thing you may want to take into consideration using that calculator is particular board specifications.
So until you figure out what works best for you, I'd give that calculator as much weight as the opinions of any here
with "credentials".

[poutanen]

Here's the calc I've used. I think it's based on the same Java app, but a little less advertising.

Snowboard Sizing Guide, Size Calculator

For shits and giggles just entered my GFs info. Spit out a 148 for a beginner, 150 for intermediate. We bought her a 149 a couple years ago and she's been thrilled with it.

I think in another year or two she'll be ready for a longer board if she gets more into freeriding and away from the freestyle end of things.

[david_z]

I'll repeat... A calculator isn't going to answer OP's question.

[poutanen]

Originally Posted by david_z

I'll repeat... A calculator isn't going to answer OP's question.

So why don't you answer it for him then? It seems to me like he already answered his own questions in the original post.

- If you want more high speed stability and float in the powder, go longer

- If you want something easier to spin, go shorter

[syphabiscuit]

So the consensus goes with what I said then? Does 151 for street and 161 for pow sound like it could be right for a 180lber?