Looking for New Board (Cobra, Raptor, Premier F1)

[BigmountainVMD]

I agree with you totally. Only reason I learned to carve properly is because my second board purchase in my 4th season was an Arbor A-frame... because I thought that's what I needed... very unforgiving, but forced me to have proper technique.

[lonerider]

Originally Posted by BigmountainVMD

I agree with you totally. Only reason I learned to carve properly is because my second board purchase in my 4th season was an Arbor A-frame... because I thought that's what I needed... very unforgiving, but forced me to have proper technique.

Those older A-frames were solid... in all meanings of the word.

[ghuss37]

Yeah I definitely need to get someone to watch me and comment on my technique. Any of you guys ride in Colorado?

Can't wait for Saturday. Looks like some snow is coming to the Rockies Sat/Sun so should be good for demoing these boards!

[BigmountainVMD]

Originally Posted by lonerider

Those older A-frames were solid... in all meanings of the word.

Yeah I don't know if I should sell it or make a bench out of it. The wood grain would make for a damn beautiful bench!

[ghuss37]

Ok, so I went to Loveland for demo day. We got probably 2-4 inches of snow. Conditions were OK, a little icy in spots and the skiers made some killer moguls that were hard to see when it was white-out conditions.

I demoed:

Heritage 158
I don't know what to say about the Heritage. I liked it, I felt like I had more control. However, it was the first board I tried and wish I could have tried it again at the end, but I ran out of time.

Ultra Dream 158
My first run with the ultra dream was great. I didn't catch any edges and it felt really good. I took a break for lunch and picked it back up and was having some trouble controlling it. Turning was definitely different than with a never summer. I could see this one shining on the powder.

Cobra 161
My favorite board of the day. I felt like I had so much control and could carve over the ice without flinching. The board seemed heavy, but I really liked it.

SL 155
The SL was smaller than I wanted, but the only size that was available. It felt a lot like my Evo with a little more stability. I did like this one, but definitely feels too similar to my Evo.

On Sunday I went to Breck and played with my Evo. Man, I love that thing...I love the pop it has and how easy it is to turn. I did notice the edge hold on it seems a little bad over icy areas. The board is so playful that I am not sure if I want to get rid of it.

All in all...I have no idea what I'm going to do...haha

[lonerider]

Originally Posted by ghuss37

Ok, so I went to Loveland for demo day. We got probably 2-4 inches of snow. Conditions were OK, a little icy in spots and the skiers made some killer moguls that were hard to see when it was white-out conditions.

I demoed:

Heritage 158
I don't know what to say about the Heritage. I liked it, I felt like I had more control. However, it was the first board I tried and wish I could have tried it again at the end, but I ran out of time.

Ultra Dream 158
My first run with the ultra dream was great. I didn't catch any edges and it felt really good. I took a break for lunch and picked it back up and was having some trouble controlling it. Turning was definitely different than with a never summer. I could see this one shining on the powder.

Cobra 161
My favorite board of the day. I felt like I had so much control and could carve over the ice without flinching. The board seemed heavy, but I really liked it.

SL 155
The SL was smaller than I wanted, but the only size that was available. It felt a lot like my Evo with a little more stability. I did like this one, but definitely feels too similar to my Evo.

On Sunday I went to Breck and played with my Evo. Man, I love that thing...I love the pop it has and how easy it is to turn. I did notice the edge hold on it seems a little bad over icy areas. The board is so playful that I am not sure if I want to get rid of it.

All in all...I have no idea what I'm going to do...haha

Lol... well now you have about as much information as you can possible get for making a decision (nothing beats first-hand experience). The reality is that there are a LOT OF BOARDS THAT ARE FUN TO RIDE... so it really is just about picking a board (or seven ) that will match you personal preferences.

Good luck!

[ghuss37]

Yeah man, that was pretty much my realization. I am happy with all the boards. I have to make a choice by Nov 25 because that's when my $100 off voucher expires. I really don't think I can go wrong between the Cobra, Heritage, and Ultra Dream.

[lonerider]

Originally Posted by ghuss37

Yeah man, that was pretty much my realization. I am happy with all the boards. I have to make a choice by Nov 25 because that's when my $100 off voucher expires. I really don't think I can go wrong between the Cobra, Heritage, and Ultra Dream.

I think I read in a thread here that the Ultra Dream is a powder board that can do freeriding. The Cobra is also sort of a playful freeride board that is shaped specifically for powder. The Heritage is a twin shape (good for switch riding) and has a lot more dampening (which is good for when the snow is crappy/choppy) than the other two boards.

So one way to help decide is ask yourself where/when are you going to be using this new board? Personally, I typically ride park when the snow conditions are crappy as the groomed/raked snow there is actually decent... so while I was really eyeing the Heritage myself... MAYBE drop it off the list.

[ghuss37]

Originally Posted by lonerider

I think I read in a thread here that the Ultra Dream is a powder board that can do freeriding. The Cobra is also sort of a playful freeride board that is shaped specifically for powder. The Heritage is a twin shape (good for switch riding) and has a lot more dampening (which is good for when the snow is crappy/choppy) than the other two boards.

So one way to help decide is ask yourself where/when are you going to be using this new board? Personally, I typically ride park when the snow conditions are crappy as the groomed/raked snow there is actually decent... so while I was really eyeing the Heritage myself... MAYBE drop it off the list.

I'm eyeing another board...the YES Pick your line. Though, I am not sure if they have it at the board shop I went to so maybe it isn't an option.

I agree, I'm probably leaning towards the Cobra right now. It is pretty sick. I think the Ultra Dream is sick too, but it is probably going to throw me off with the different board style.

[ghuss37]

Got the Cobra 158 today. I might go give it a ride on Sunday, but the conditions in Colorado are really crappy machine-made snow. I hope we get some snow in December...