Im in the market for a stick. Im most likely gonna go with the new Lib Tech skate banana. I need help figuring out what size I should get. Im coming from a 2010 Ride Machete 158.
My Specs
-6" tall
-165 lbs
-size 11 Burton ruler
-L/XL Union bindings
All moutain riding. Dont hit the park. Most the year is hard packed man made snow. Not that much powder.
I was thinking a 156 or 154. More towards the 156.
I'd suggest away from the skate banana unless you've demoed it and really like it. It's a average park board at a premium price and from your post doesn't look like you even ride park. I would look into some of these and pick a few and try to demo them All Mountain Snowboards | evo
I rode my boys a few weeks ago and loved it. It was a 152 tho, which I think is a bit small for me. Im leaning towards doing more freestyle riding this year. I dont hit the park but want a softer and more playful board on the trails then my 158 Machete.
I'd go for the 159 wide. When you start bombing runs with that board (had the 2012 for a season) you'll want a bit of a longer board and it'll suit you well for learning park. The Burton Custom Flying V Wide would also be a great option for a bit cheaper if you get it on evo. It has similar specs but the base is a tad faster.
Well it depends if you're going for a dedicated park board or more of a quiver killer. The park pickle is ment to be a dedicated park board so it isn't going to preform well if its on the smaller side and you want to ride it fast everywhere. Softer boards are really chatty at higher speeds
Went to my local ski shop and asked them a few questions. They told me the skate banana in a 156 would be pretty much the same setup im running now. And my buddy skate banana I rode was a 152. Which is much smaller and that why I noticed such a differance. They refered me to the new Burton Nug in 146. Its made to run 8-10 cm smaller than what you normal run. So ill be keeping an eye on them at the end of the season.
BA rode a 149 and had a blast. He weighs exactly the same as you. If I'm bored I hope to find a late season deal on one. Not sure I feel comfy being on a 145 though (145 lbs)
Tinted Out
Just to give you my thoughts. I started out on a banana 159w it was my first real board. I learned to ride on it and hit park and jumps. Still learning park. It is not as soft as several people have stated. I have no real board experience but this board has served me very well in my rapid progression. I love it.
That said I just got a Arbor Westmark 156 I only have a day on it and am still getting used to it but it has more pop and flex. The smaller board is much more playful than the banana at this point. Like I said only one day on it.
Not really sure this was useful info or not just thought I'd share my experience on the SB
Thanks for all the input guys. Yeah I love my 158 Machete, and prob gonna keep it. I wanna smaller and softer board to play around on. Ill have to look into that Rome Shank and the Arbor that was mentioned.
I like my skate banana (2012) but I realized one thing, it's an extruded base. Lib tech has other boards with sintered bases. I just realized this 9 months later. Had I known earlier, I'm not sure if it would affect my decision or not because I didn't demo any of these boards either way.
But on the other hand, I love this board for all mountain. I haven't touched park, ever, yet. I doubt it's the specific model that I like, it's more that it's a rockered board that is soft. There are tons like it, I'm sure.
Btw another thing: I had trouble sizing too. But I'm glad I choose the smaller one (My choices were 151 vs 149cm) . I think too small is better than too big, but that's just for my riding style. I think bigger boards are supposed to be faster and more control, but I like less control (it only takes few sessions for the rider's technique to compensate for this). I wanted a skatey and playful board so naturally I went small.
It's pretty difficult to select size without testing the same board in different sizes, back to back, for extended period of time. Also a lot of it is psychological, you wanna make a commitment and personal connection with whatever board you have in order enjoy the relationship.
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