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Advanced female - what board?

9K views 36 replies 12 participants last post by  silverwhale 
#1 ·
Hi! New to the forum, I've been lurking for a few weeks but decided to register to get a more specific answer - another "what board should I buy?"

Details (based on the FAQ section, which I did read first):

Female
115-120 lbs, 5'3"
Boot size 8 (women's)
21 (not growing taller or fatter)

I am looking for a freeride board - I am never in the park, and the only jumps I do are accidental (it would be cool to learn how to actually look good doing jumps but the terrain park can be intimidating).

I live in Southwestern Ontario, so not too many big hills around here - I need a board that is good for the chop/crud of small hills like Blue Mountain, the chop/ice/groomers of Tremblant, and better snow/powder (going to Utah this year I think, sometimes go to Vermont as well). I am usually just bombing down blues/blacks/double blacks but I will also do glades. I have been snowboarding since I was about 12, and would consider myself fairly advanced.

I have been doing some research for a couple months now using review websites, snowboard magazine reviews, Shayboarder, etc. but since I won't be able to test a board before buying I want to get as many opinions as possible!

Shortlist:

1. GNU B-pro (this was my top pick until I read a couple bad reviews on this forum about it)
2. Rome Gold (most reviews about it are very positive, but it's new so having trouble finding a lot of info)
3. Never Summer Lotus (lost of NS fans on this forum it seems like!)
4. Never Summer Infinity (isn't as much of a freeride board though?)
5. Jones Mothership (smallest size is 152 - would that be too big?)
6. Arbor Push

And yes, I realize that isn't actually a short list. My current board is a forum craft I've had for about 6 years - it's a size 147 and I definitely bought it based on the graphics, cause I didn't know much about boards then - like this I think: Snowboard Forum Craft 2007/2008 :: Snowboard and ski catalog SnowDB.com

Thanks for any advice/suggestions, this forum has already been a big help :) Sorry this is so long!
 
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#3 · (Edited)
Yes, feedback or opinions from anyone who has tried these boards or who knows more about snowboards than I do lol. I'm good at doing research, but bad at narrowing down my choices.

And thanks for the icon edit - hopefully it helps, I've been having trouble finding a lot of detailed reviews on women's boards (Shay's are good but she can't review every board every year).
 
#5 ·
Any reason as to why the B-pro over the others? It's the one I was leaning toward until reading a couple reviews from people who didn't like it on here - obviously not everybody can like every board, but I'm trying to be careful since I can't test it out and it's hopefully going to last me a long time.

And they're unicorns, not ponies. Duh. ;)

I'm not crazy about the bright pink, but I think the 2012 B-pro is worse (it's just ugly).

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate the mothership comment :)
 
#7 ·
Aside from Rome I've tried all of these, rode B-Pro pretty much for the past two years and NS Infinity last season (getting my own this week, yay). Still, I feel - and this is my highly subjective opinion - that for an advanced, well rounded all-mountain East Coast rider B-Pro combines the most advantages and is really the best deck for the money. Mind you, this is not a beginner's board and I've seen plenty of new riders having trouble controlling it. However, its edge really lends itself to increased stability. I've caught myself many times over last year charging seriously icy runs on which I'd normally have more caution if I was riding anything else. The board is that stable. It is a little wider too and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone with small feet, although I'm size 6.5 and the width wasn't really a deal breaker for me. The reviews state that the width adds to stability... I don't particularly disagree, it feels that the serrated edge works better with a shallower sidecut because it allows for a better snow contact.

B-Pro is marginally lighter than others. It has a nice pop, not as damp as NS decks (again, not a deal breaker), more playful than NS. I felt like the playfulness factor was a bit negated by that super-stable serrated edge as compared to NS in general. I also found that the edge didn't help me in the park. I felt I had to put a little more energy into initiating rotations, on the other hand it held landings better. I also like the idea of sustainability behind the company's products. Definitely a plus in my book.

As to the graphics... don't mind me there. I've long since stopped caring for what the board looks like but for some reason this particular disaster is just triggering my gag reflex every time I see it (and yes, I believe that the sorry ass who designed it needs to be taken out back and shot). But that's just me.

Anyway, hope this helps.
 
#13 ·
Wow some bpro lovin' going on now, I'm surprised based on past threads in this forum lol.



Would your opinion change if I said I would probably be spending more days in Utah or Vermont than Blue or Tremblant for the next few years at least? I'm not particularly close to those 2 hills, so if I head up to Blue it would only be for a day or two. Although of course I wouldn't want to be wiping out every time I hit ice or bumps on my fancy-schmancy powder board :p Would the wider waist width inhibit shorter-radius turns at all (like going edge to edge - such as in the trees or moguls)? I agree with you on the graphics - I look a lot younger than I actually am, and I feel like the bpro definitely looks more like a board a little girl would have. I get asked what grade I am in more than enough already. Thanks for the long response too!

First off, congratulations and thank you! I wish every poster would check the FAQ before posting. It is refreshing to see a post with every bit of the information listed.

As for board suggestions, I cannot speak for the other boards you listed but you are a perfect match for the Neversummer Infinity. As for size, I would suggest the 147 or 149 for your style of riding. You are light and could ride the 145 just fine and enjoy the agility of an even shorter board but stepping up to a 147 or 149 gives you 3 and 4 CM's more effective edge for stability and carving. Now if you expect to ride plenty of powder and also want to ride fast and lay down some great carved, stepping up to the 151 gives you another 2 CM's of effective edge without a huge sacrifice in overall agility. It really depends on what is most important to you; agility or stability!
Any reason to pick the infinity over the lotus? I was thinking the lotus was stiffer so it would work better for the downhill-only I do? Although I do love the graphics on the infinity this year ;)

At Baker freeriding for 9 years...due to small feet, I've demo'd a fair amount of women's boards and ride an option trinity 158 freeride and option kendra starr 155 directional cambered twin...both are old cambered stiffys...and by far they are perhaps the stiffest women's boards. If i were buying another new board this year it would be a 155 b-pro (granted i'm a guy, 5'6' and 175-180 with size 7 feet) for an all around all mtn go anyplace board resort board for non deep poo days. It is stiffer (but not as stiff as my old Options), likes to be ridden hard, quick edge to edge, handles drops and landing, is responsive stable and fun...mind you at my size the 155 is like throwing around a midget. The b-pro is made for baker and lots of hard riding gals here its their board.

my order:
bpro...my top pick and matches my hot pink pantz
bnice...old 155 cambered mtx...it was really fun til I snapped the tail.
roxy envi...it was marginally ok but could not handle the railing carves and wash out, not as stable at bombing
infinity...way too soft for my weighty ass
gypsy...way way too soft
push....meh
Have you tried the Push? If I went with the bpro would you recommend the 146 or 149?

Thanks for all the responses! Anyone out there tried the Rome gold? ;)
 
#10 · (Edited)
At Baker freeriding for 9 years...due to small feet, I've demo'd a fair amount of women's boards and ride an option trinity 158 freeride and option kendra starr 155 directional cambered twin...both are old cambered stiffys...and by far they are perhaps the stiffest women's boards. If i were buying another new board this year it would be a 155 b-pro (granted i'm a guy, 5'6' and 175-180 with size 7 feet) for an all around all mtn go anyplace board resort board for non deep poo days. It is stiffer (but not as stiff as my old Options), likes to be ridden hard, quick edge to edge, handles drops and landing, is responsive stable and fun...mind you at my size the 155 is like throwing around a midget. The b-pro is made for baker and lots of hard riding gals here its their board.

my order:
bpro...my top pick and matches my hot pink pantz
bnice...old 155 cambered mtx...it was really fun til I snapped the tail.
roxy envi...it was marginally ok but could not handle the railing carves and wash out, not as stable at bombing
infinity...way too soft for my weighty ass
gypsy...way way too soft
push....meh
 
#14 ·
Rome all the way!

I haven't tried the Rome Gold seeing as I am a 6'3 Male but all I can say is...

Over the past 10 years iv had about 6 boards, 3 of them being Rome. Every time I try to switch it up I end up going back to Rome boards not because they are best at 1 thing....just because overall they are always a safe bet and I never feel they are lacking.

Currently riding a Bataleon but going back to a Rome next season I think.

Just my 2 cents.
 
#15 ·
I haven't tried the Rome Gold seeing as I am a 6'3 Male but all I can say is...

Over the past 10 years iv had about 6 boards, 3 of them being Rome. Every time I try to switch it up I end up going back to Rome boards not because they are best at 1 thing....just because overall they are always a safe bet and I never feel they are lacking.

Currently riding a Bataleon but going back to a Rome next season I think.

Just my 2 cents.
Thanks! Is the Rome size chart a bit unusual? On their website, the listed weight range for the 147 gold is 70-120 lbs and for the 151 is 95-135 lbs. Generally for my weight other companies have something in the mid-to-hight 140's listed, but based on the Rome size chart I would go with the 151 I think.
 
#19 · (Edited)
. but since I won't be able to test a board before buying I want to get as many opinions as possible!


why not? I don't understand why people are willing to drop $$$ on a board without doing some demo-ing first. It doesn't make sense to me....I wouldn't spend 300-500 bucks on something unless I was damn sure I liked it. Is demoing not an option due to where you are located?

I demoed the B Pro, Lotus and Envi, all on powder days. ...and I'd read reviews on all three prior too my demoing. I found out real fast that reading reviews is not even close to actually riding the the damn things.

I bought the envi, and I want a lotus for a powder board...but seriously all three were really great boards that I'd have been happy with if I bought them without a test ride. I liked the b pro the least of the three. However the new b pro has pink unicorns. Who doesn't love pink unicorns?!?!
 
#21 ·
Whats so hard to understand? Maybe it isn't an option where that person is situated. In Queenstown NZ where I live its 60 bucks a day to demo a board in the main retailers, 75 if you want bindings. I could demo 4 boards, be out half the price of actually buying one and not be any closer to a decision. And thats forgetting the fact that the main demo shop this season had 3 lib techs, a few GNU's and a few YES boards available for demo.. nothing that interested me.

I had absolutely no choice, I bought a new board solely based on online reviews and tech advice (which I take with a pinch of salt).
 
#27 ·
I agree, I would absolutely love to be able to test them! But unfortunately due to my location (not close to any large hills) and schedule (I'm in school most of the time so can't really travel anywhere) I won't be able to. So I'm just trying to get as much info as I can on all the boards. And unless I'm going crazy I don't think there is a 2013 envi model? I'm hoping if I just buy one I will like it enough and won't know what I'm missing anyway ;)

out of the B Pro, Lotus and Envi, the Lotus is the most damp. BY FAR.


i demoed it on a powder day but I made sure to take it to some icy scrapped up groomers and it also went thru a lot of chopped up pow/crud. That thing could float over anything like a dream.

In the dampness competition the Lotus won hands down over the other two. I felt it was too damp. It was almost dead...no pop to it at all. Great in the pow but lacked a little something off jumps for me. However I am realizing that I like a stiffer longer board then most people seem to.

I read someone else on this forum say they liked the flex between the bindings better on the C2BTX (envi) over the Lotus shape (whatever that is) and I agree.
Sorry, it was the lotus you demoed? You were sounding really positive about that board and then said you thought the lotus was a bit too damp so I'm just not sure if you are referring to the lotus in the preceding paragraph as well.

I'm another Infinity owner (about the same height/weight/shoe size). I've also ridden Arbor and GNU.

I kind of agree with what Noreaster said. I've ridden ice on the Infinity, and as long as your edge is sharp, and you're not trying to speed-carve icy double blacks, the Infinity can handle it well.

For me at least, the Infinity is really damp like people say, and it's on the heavier side.

I do like GNU's C2BTX boards though (I hate hate hate their rocker boards). I imagine that the serrated edge would be really good if you ride in icy conditions all the time. Their boards are definitely lighter. I don't like how their tips are unprotected though (no metal edge on the tips! they get scuffed really badly).

Basically:
Never Summer - heavier, damp, durable, great for high speed cruising
GNU - lighter, maybe holds edge on ice better

I have never tried the Lotus, so I can't say how it compares.

One board I've always wanted to try is the Smokin Vixen. It has GNU's magnetraction (supposedly a bit less aggressive?). But it's an all-mountain true twin, and it looks like you're looking at Directional boards.

I actually like Arbor boards a lot, but it's more of a light, nimble, playful board. It still rides groomers very well, but the board I rode (Cadence) is very different from the Push.
I remember looking into the Vixen as well ... can't remember why I took it off my list. All good points though, thanks.

Everyone is so helpful but I'm not actually sure if this is making my decision easier :p Oh well, I'll be more informed at least :)
 
#26 ·
I'm another Infinity owner (about the same height/weight/shoe size). I've also ridden Arbor and GNU.

I kind of agree with what Noreaster said. I've ridden ice on the Infinity, and as long as your edge is sharp, and you're not trying to speed-carve icy double blacks, the Infinity can handle it well.

For me at least, the Infinity is really damp like people say, and it's on the heavier side.

I do like GNU's C2BTX boards though (I hate hate hate their rocker boards). I imagine that the serrated edge would be really good if you ride in icy conditions all the time. Their boards are definitely lighter. I don't like how their tips are unprotected though (no metal edge on the tips! they get scuffed really badly).

Basically:
Never Summer - heavier, damp, durable, great for high speed cruising
GNU - lighter, maybe holds edge on ice better

I have never tried the Lotus, so I can't say how it compares.

One board I've always wanted to try is the Smokin Vixen. It has GNU's magnetraction (supposedly a bit less aggressive?). But it's an all-mountain true twin, and it looks like you're looking at Directional boards.

I actually like Arbor boards a lot, but it's more of a light, nimble, playful board. It still rides groomers very well, but the board I rode (Cadence) is very different from the Push.
 
#29 · (Edited)
Just a note: When I demo'd the b-pro for a full day...it did take a 3-4 runs to adjust; I also had to bring it back into the shop twice to get it dialed in. First time the stance width/center was slightly off and the tail would not release quite right when coming out of turns, 2nd time was to get my boot/bindings centered across the width of the board...which to me fwiw is the character of a performance machine...has to be calibrated to work right and then it does a very fine job. Once these two minor adjustments were done I just spent the rest of the day hotrodding around the a cold packed hill. It handled the chop, groomers, moguls, drops, small airs (I don't do big air....old knees)...really fun all around board that did well with varied terrain and snow.

Compared to my cambered boards it did not have quite the pop and rebound...which is expected but it had enough. It did turn on a dime and would rail tight turns while digging a trench....which some might think is grabby...but you just learn to suck up the knees/unweight/cross-under to the next edge. As for digging 50+ mph trench on groomers did great again only slightly less stable then with my cambered fr stiffy...but you want to be on point and have rock solid attention, because if you weren't where you are supposed to be fore/aft boardwise in the carve it could feel abit twitchy. And this thing was so great in the moguls...almost effortless...I felt like a gazelle lightly bouncing through the bumps....compared to getting hammered with my cambered stiffy or folding up with a more flexy board.
 
#30 ·
Hmmm thanks for your reply. I wanted to avoid the "twitchy" feeling you mentioned - sometimes when I get going on my current board it starts to slide (maybe I just need to get the edges sharpened though lol). I also want a board I can use to cruise without much effort if it's the end of the day - so something else to think about.


Thanks for all the responses, it's been great to get more opinions! Once I decide I'll make sure to post a review or something to help anyone else out there looking for something similar :)
 
#32 ·
Female
115-120 lbs, 5'3"
Boot size 8 (women's)
21 (not growing taller or fatter)
Methinks you should change your name. When I read "silverwhale" I pictured this:



Not a 21 yo 120 lb girl... lol Hey are you going with Ryerson to Jay Peak? I grew up in Southern Ontario went with them a bunch of times it was good shit. That said, I also have a good idea of the crap you have to ride on most of the time.

For Ontario hardpack I felt a world of difference going to a stiffer, longer, cambered board. But Vermont and Utah should have some powder for you to play in...

One other board to consider:

Völkl International | Snowboards |  Yavana

It's available in a 146 but unfortunately I haven't found any reviews for it with just a quick search.

My last piece of advice is to not be scared to go a little longer. If you're freeriding almost all the time, you shouldn't notice any real negative effects to a longer board, but your high speed stability will really improve.
 
#33 ·
Methinks you should change your name. When I read "silverwhale" I pictured this:



Not a 21 yo 120 lb girl... lol Hey are you going with Ryerson to Jay Peak? I grew up in Southern Ontario went with them a bunch of times it was good shit. That said, I also have a good idea of the crap you have to ride on most of the time.

For Ontario hardpack I felt a world of difference going to a stiffer, longer, cambered board. But Vermont and Utah should have some powder for you to play in...

One other board to consider:

Völkl International | Snowboards | *Yavana

It's available in a 146 but unfortunately I haven't found any reviews for it with just a quick search.

My last piece of advice is to not be scared to go a little longer. If you're freeriding almost all the time, you shouldn't notice any real negative effects to a longer board, but your high speed stability will really improve.
lol no I don't look quite like that. I just think whales are cool. The animal kind at least.

Like Ryerson university? I don't go there, so no I guess? lol

And yeah, the only board I'm not sure about size for is the Rome Gold - I was thinking the 147, but according to their size chart I'm at the 151 ... which seems big, especially for the glades. But stability is also important. Thanks for the tip!
 
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