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Buying advice for complete Setup, Board, Binding, and Boots

6K views 47 replies 12 participants last post by  vknyvz 
#1 · (Edited)
I have been boarding on and off for the last 3 years, but this year, I have been doing it seriously, so I want my own setup tired of renting.

My level;
I can easily do greens, blues, I can even do single black diamonds(slowly). So I can link my turns, but I am still considering myself an intermediate, I still sometimes fall during getting of from lift-chair.

I am 30, 6'1, weight b/w 190-205lbs (weight changes when I am on and off from gym). Boot size 12 or 13.

I have been thinking about a 160cm board, am I right on that?

Also, considering my level, I heard things about `forgiven` boards? what is it like stiffer or not stiffer boards, wide or narrow? what do you guys think?

for budget doesn't really all that matter, I am thinking on spending up to 800 for all three.
 
#2 ·
For your boot size I would recommend a wide board. And about forgiving boards it generally means there softer and less aggressive and responsive than other boards. You usually want a mid flex for all mountain riding, a softer flex for park and jib and a stiffer board for powder and freeride.
 
#3 ·
you are a bit confused me lol

ok so wide it is, so I shouldn't get aggressive boards, which means it should be wide and soft so according to burton measurements a 5 is mid-flex? and brand recommdendationds and for bindings too?
 
#4 ·
What kind of riding do you mostly do, and in what part of the world? If you are mostly riding hardpack/icy groomers on the East coast, that will influence what board and subsequent equipment you get.

First things first, go to a shop if possible and get fitted for some good boots. Don't skimp on the boots, they are the most important part. A medium flex, do-it-all boot would probably be best.

From there, you can pick out a board that works well for the conditions you normally ride in, then select bindings to complement the board and your boots.

You will probably want a wider board since you will wear a bigger boot. A wider board is stiffer than a narrower one for the same length. A wider board can also accommodate a broader range of weights.

I would maybe check out the Neversummer Legacy 159 or 161. Legacy | Never Summer Industries - Snowboards, Longboards, Clothing and Accessories - Powered by CLVR TV
 
#6 · (Edited)
For now I have been riding on the east coast, hunter, windham sometimes in vermont.

also that website shows that board as a pipe & park, freestyle board, am I wrong?

Ok I am definetly getting a wider board, 159 to 161 range but for the stiffness, considering my level of ability, what do you guys suggest? more flexable?

Since it will be my first board, any difference between all-mountain freeride boards?

that website you shared, shows the `legacy` board as pipe & park freestyle board, would this be good for me? I was under the impression that a freeride (all-mountain board) is what I needed
 
#9 ·
Hey man, I'm a similar build to you, 5'11, 79kg (that's 174 lbs in your imperial system), and size 12 boots. Bought my first board around this time last year so maybe I can add a bit of insight.

You definitely want to look for a wide board, although you might get away with a mid-wide board in a large size.

I ended up getting a Ride Machete 157W (based partly on recommendations from this forum), which I have found to be a great all-around board. When I got it, I was just starting to do black runs (slowly). Since then, I've got comfortable on most/all black runs and am learning to do a lot of freestyle stuff. It handles the icy hardpack stuff at home (NZ) well and it handled pow really well at Whistler too. It's a little on the stiff side for presses, but you can't have everything (it's mid-stiff). You would probably be a bigger board size than me based on your height/weight (probably the 161W in the case of the Machete).

Already decided my next board will be a Never Summer Proto CTX 155. It's listed on the NS site as more freestyle oriented but the consensus on the site here seems to be that it's a very good all-around board.

I can't emphasise the importance of the right boots enough. They were the first thing I bought, even when I was still using rental boards. Had a pair of Salomons which were OK but I only got them because they were cheap. Got some Burton Rulers this season and they are a great mid-stiff all-around boot. Comfortable, no breaking-in period, perform well and durable. Another advantage is the imprint reduction... so my size 12 Ruler fits like a size 12, but it has the footprint of a size 11. Which I find makes tweaking binding settings a bit easier (most XL bindings are for size 11 and up) and reduces the risk of toe-drag for bigfoots like us.

Anyway, for bindings you'll be an XL or an L depending on the manufacturer (some don't do XL). Try and get something that matches the stiffness of the board, but there's a lot of good stuff to choose from here so you should be able to pick up something pretty good. I've ridden my Machete with Union SL and Union Atlas bindings. Not overly wild about the durability of the Atlas bindings (mine were starting to show a lot of wear on the ankle strap after only 2 weeks riding). Maybe I just have a tendency to break stuff, I dunno. The Burton Cartels are a pretty popular mid-stiff all-around binding so you might want to investigate them.

Anyway hope that helps. I don't know nearly as much / have as much experience as some people on this site, but I definitely love the Ride Machete.
 
#23 ·
all i am trying to say is that dropping "experts" to validate your disagreement with my opinion is not cool at all. of corse camber and rocker and other snow masturbation form matters because they excels in different area. Although I do enjoy the actual boards more than just the shape of it, I pick my equipment very carefully from my quiver before the day of riding.

as coming back to OP, knowing the shape of the board and its attributes is part of basic snowboarding knowledge and you can't just override that with a simple comment of "not giving shit about hj,bj, p*ssy, an*l etc, a cumshot is a cumshot"

Op will eventually be on the top of the SB learning curve, but what kind of detour he will take is still a question.

I wear size 10/10.5 boots, what's up?
 
#24 ·
It has nothing to do with any of them being experts, and more to do with the fact I spoke to a lot of people about this stuff and they all said 'find something you enjoy riding rather than worrying too much about a specific camber'. Some knew their shit, some probably didn't, but no-one I spoke to said anything to suggest that I'd necessarily develop better technique riding camber.

I originally thought that I should get a camber board for that exact reason you said. I instead bought a Ride Machete (rocker), because it seemed to suit my style of riding and a lot of people had good things to say about it. I personally think I am learning stuff a lot quicker on this board and enjoying my riding a lot more than when I was on rental boards, all of which were camber (at least the ones I rode). (that could equally be because most rental boards are pretty shitty though)

It makes sense really. If you have a board you enjoy riding, you can spend a lot more time thinking about developing your skills, because you don't have to worry about getting shitty and frustrated because the board didn't handle like you wanted/expected it to in a particular situation.

With all the hybrid boards around nowadays I think it makes a lot more sense to think about whether the board will suit your style of riding rather than getting too hung up on the exact camber of the board.
 
#25 ·
I wouldn't call your machete a typical rocker, maybe a flat rocker/flat camber at most and learning about snowboarding is not finding the joy ride that swallow one's newbie skill mistake and be as tolerate as possible, in fact it is about consistently correcting your mistake and be able to identify them. Therefore in this way you will learn more on a camber board than a rocker board.

Now you are on your sweepstake of the curve, but wait until you hit your first plateau and wonder why you can't progress as fast as you wanted, and maybe step back and take a look at your technique. If you think you really mastered all basic stuffs, try to rent a burton custom X and try it out on the entire mountain and then let me know if my suggestions make sense or not.

btw I started on a shitty burton v-rocker board and jump onto a flat camber board. I really learn the hard way about using precise technique for different terrain and if I can start all over again, i'd definitely stick to camber boards.
 
#27 ·
ok so from what I read, I am leaning towards to a camber board, I don't care how unforgiven it is, I am not in a rush to master riding. i want to get it right. i will go and look around my local rei shop this weekend for a boot and maybe get the binding there too then will order a camber board online leaning towards to a never summer 160cm cobra x or legacy

this is weird tho i just don't feel comfy ordering a board online without testing it with the binding and boots i am gonna, how did you guys did it?
 
#29 · (Edited)
hmm how about burton Honcho ?

ride DH 2013 advertised as a free style on rei.com, also it doens't come in 160cm flavor?
(Ride DH Snowboard - 2012/2013 at REI.com)

i am also considering the ride machete 2012/2013 161cm wide, heard so many good things about although i don't get it rei lists it as a freestyle board :confused
 
#31 ·
Hi Vkny

I think all the advice here is in the right direction.

My 2cents- If money is an object then get to a mountain that's running a demo with some top manufacturers. Some good shops will let you demo boards as well. Its the only true way to see what feels right. Then let the board collecting begin!

Seb
 
#33 ·
I have a pair of Burton Cartels(albeit last years) and I am not super stoked on them. They have a bit of forward lean that can't be undone and my boots(Vans Matlock) don't fit snugly in them. Plus they are plastic and I have had the strap screws loosen themselves in half a day of some intensely brutal ice riding. Just from what I have seen and heard, Union seems to generally be the most kickass brand. I would be careful limiting yourself to what REI has when you are looking because they are extremely limited compared to a legit board shop and you might find yourself "settling" for what they have instead of finding what you find the most comfortable. However, the return policy is kickass so that's always a plus.

AND DON'T CHEAP ON BOOTS. Bad boots ruin your whole damn time.
 
#34 ·
you can say that again, rei is great on refunding but selection is limited, i will head down to burton shop and rei try some boots on though, then maybe if they have one of the boards i listed down maybe i will look at them

Hi Vkny

I think all the advice here is in the right direction.

My 2cents- If money is an object then get to a mountain that's running a demo with some top manufacturers. Some good shops will let you demo boards as well. Its the only true way to see what feels right. Then let the board collecting begin!

Seb
actually money isn't an issue, I can spend however but just don't want to waste money away just because I can, I want to buy something that fits to my level of ability, but somethingin between an beginner-intermediate ride that handles all-mountain and some park.

i checked there's no demo running, wish they were actually it's a good idea

DEAR GOD! I feel sorry for you. These two numb nuts are arguing instead of helping...

First things first, freeride and all-mountain are not the same. Think about it this way, pure freestyle means you're in the park, doing rails, butters, jumps, side hits, etc.

Pure freeride means you're never on groomed snow. You're always in the off-piste, powder, trees, some natural jumps, etc.

All-mountain is somewhere in between. You ride on a lot of groomed runs, with the occasional trip through the park, and the occasional trip through some trees or powder.

GENERALLY SPEAKING:

Freestyle = soft setup (and yes, some companies have ratings out of 10 on all their equipment to give you a rough idea of stiffness)
All-mountain = medium setup
Freeride = stiff setup

Sounds like you're looking for a medium setup which is a great idea for a first setup. Those rating numbers aren't based on tests or anything, just the designs, so don't get too hung up on numbers. I just wouldn't buy anything with a 1-2 or 8+ as a new rider. Stick with something from 3-7 or so for all your gear. If the manufacturer doesn't offer a number rating, look for the words "all-mountain" as being the prime descriptive words for the item.

Weipim, how old are you? That's an honest question. It's really hard to read the "U R not helping" type posts! :dunno:
hmm yea i guess it does make sense that freeride is on pow so board needs to be more stiff guess it does make sense, and freestyle boards do need to be soft so you land after a jump get on pipes etc. it all make sense, thanks man

guess definitely I need a medium setup, not a stiff board, not a soft bard an all mountainer to master my basics, but I am going to try the park after a month from now on so trying to get something that i can somewhat(i know you can't have everything in one board) do park and all mountain. Any specific board suggestions?
been looking at these

So I gathered a list of some, what y'all think?
( i tried choosing all-mountain, wide models for 160, 161cm, something i can improve on, and head to park when ready kinda thing, and I choose them to be camber since not rushing to improve skill)

2012/2013 ride machete
never summer legacy and cobra x
burton honcho (although i hate the graphics) (i don't really like any graphics on any burton lol don't know why)
gnu Carbon Credit Series 162W (6.5 rating so i guess not bad)
Skate Banana 159W (rating 6 stiffness)
 
#35 ·
I use the Carbon Credit 162W and though it seems lot stiffer than a 6.5. I think it's a great board though. If I could trade, I would definitely put in for the Skate Banana. MagneTraction is a life saver on ice or other hard packs. So personally I would suggest the Skate Banana.
 
#39 ·
did anyone of you really ordered any of the three online? i mean prices don't change all that much anyhow,especially boots must be tried on first same goes for bindings?
any thoughts on this?
 
#40 ·
so i decided to order a never summer cobra x 161 (162)W this week with burton cartel bindings, still haven't made my mind on boots...

what do you guys think, it's an all terrain, rocker & camber board, this supposed to be a tech. developed by never summer and it supposed hold on the hardpack for us east coasters pretty good. level 5 responsiveness
 
#42 · (Edited)
Well, the good news is you have a reputable brand and a board that a lot of people on this forum love. At the very least, if you ride it and find out it's not what you were looking for you can sell it without a huge loss. I figure you'll probably love it once you get used to it.

As for the boots, take advantage of the return policies of REI or Backcountry to find the right pair if you can't get a good look at things locally. What I mean by that is order (or pickup in store) a pair you think will work, give them a ride, and return/exchange them for something else until you find something comfortable that keeps your heel locked in. Boots are going to always be subjective and you'll have to decide if you want something noodley soft, medium, or stiff. The best advice has been that you just need to try a bunch.
 
#41 · (Edited)
Hey there, I am also a Northeast weekend rider... going to hunter, windham, stratton. etc... if you are looking into buying new board consider going for CAMBER type of board, instead of hybrid. Others might have different opinion, but if you are trying to enjoy the trails carving at high speed doing jumps here and there, then go with camber. I've tried the rocker, hybrid or the flying V. and it doesn't hold the edges on the icy spots as well as the camber do. Good luck!~

ps: never summer cobra has rocker between your binding. I would prefer camber between my binding and rocker on the tip and tails... I've tried the salmon Man's board and it work great!
 
#43 ·
Same here man, I have been going twice a week to hunter sometimes wind ham but I gotta say thinking about buying the creek pass for 400 bucks instead of paying around 90 bucks a day to hunter or windham, although I know creeks slopes aren't that good

I watched this video ice breakers online somewhere, they tested many boards and they say as long as the edges are sharpened (whatever that means lol) board is going to hold on ice, doesn't matter what the profile is but who knows I guess

Well, the good news is you have a reputable brand and a board that a lot of people on this forum love. At the very least, if you ride it and find out it's not what you were looking for you can sell it without a huge loss. I figure you'll probably love it once you get used to it.

As for the boots, take advantage of the return policies of REI or Backcountry to find the right pair if you can't get a good look at things locally. What I mean by that is order (or pickup in store) a pair you think will work, give them a ride, and return/exchange them for something else until you find something comfortable that keeps your heel locked in. Boots are going to always be subjective and you'll have to decide if you want something noodley soft, medium, or stiff. The best advice has been that you just need to try a bunch.
Will go to Rei and paragon sports in the city try many boots then will see if the price is same as online if so I will just get it there its just hard to not buy after someone helping you for half an hour :) Looking like a cheap ass lol

Alsoordering from evo saves you tax and god that's like 45 bucks :) and free overnight shipping
 
#46 ·
nah don't buy it locally, then you'd pay taxes, if you are not in the seattle area, just go to evo and get it from there (without tax)

i went to paragon sports here in the city and yes they had 1 161cm cobra x i was about to buy then stopped myself, came back to office, checked evo.com and hey same price and no tax, otherwise board was gonna cost me 609 dollars instead just paid 559

so guys I end up buying (from evo.com)

Flow Trilogy Snowboard Bindings 2012 XL
and
Never Summer Cobra X 161cm
and
Oakley Elevate Goggles (god I needed to replace my old shitty ones so bad)

was gonna get the union conctact XL for 179 but read so many good things about this flow trilogy and considered saving 90 bucks was like what the heck, they are hetre on friday can't wait to try them on, although still need to go to rei and pick up a boot
 
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