MeanJoe

I have the black base and it also does not have the NS as seen in other decks. I seem to vaguely recall when I toured the NS factory early this year, they commented that they were having some challenges with that part and that the final design may change. Then again, my memory maybe faulty.

MeanJoe

crispy5

I picked mine up last month. Black base, white eagle, red NS.

ukaszeklp

Thanks, I appritiate that.

JRZBoarder

I just received my 158 Proto CTX and it came with a black base.

TheCity

nice, looks like everyone is getting the black base. I hope by the time I get one, there will still be some left.

JRZBoarder

I think I would have preferred the white base actually, but I guess a plus with the black is that it's easier to see the wax.

It seems like a very well built board. Some people say they don't like the top sheet, but I think it looks great. The topsheet also seems like it will resist scratches very well. It's a really light board, noticeably lighter then my current 10' Burton Custom. As people said it is a bigger board than the sizes would have you believe just because of the blunted ends and how long the effect edge is. My 158 seems like it's more of a 162 with a short tip and tail to bring it down to 158. Makes me wonder if I should have gone with the 155 since I was in between at 180lbs. If your using it for more park I would go a size smaller then you normally would. I'm using it for all mountain so the extra 'length' will be a bonus. Everyones been right on with the flex. NS says 5, but I'd say a little more. This is my first reverse camber board so while the flex is in the 5-6 range it does flex more then camber boards I've been on with a 5 rating.

My only regret is that now I'm going to be totured for 3 months until the season starts here.

kimchijajonshim

Eh. Repairs will be less noticeable. I've also heard it said that black bases run faster, but that's a hard proposition to test.

zivicIRL

I am 6'2 190lbs. I ride 70% groomers and backcountry, 30% park (mostly jumps). I wear a size 11-11(1/2) boot. I wanted to know if a 157 Proto or a 160 would be recommended for me. Also, does anyone have any recommendations for bindings for all mountain riding to pair with this board? (Flux or Union)? Thanks for the help guys.

kimchijajonshim

My stats are somewhat similar (5'11", 190 lb). For future reference, I wouldn't group groomers and backcountry together... very different kinds of riding. I'm in a similar predicament. I actually have the 157 in my possession but may opt for the 160 instead. My gut feeling is that if you want zippier board for short radius turns in trees, probably the 157; if you're looking more for long drawn out carves, probably the 160. I go back and forth by the day, but I'm leaning 160.

If your boots are 1:1 lasted (some companies use 1 size shell for 2 sizes, some companies have a different size shell for every half size), I'd lean go 160 or the 158 CTX Wide if you end up 11.5s. That's barring getting a more low profile boot, in which case you can rock either.

zivicIRL

Hey dude thanks for the fast reply. I didn't mean to group both the two together, just meant that i enjoy both styles of riding. On some more specifics.. im riding more in Mammoth and Tahoe where tree runs and groomers call for a little sharper of turns. Also, as far as shell sizes go not too familiar however im planning on getting new boots this season and was looking at the Nike Zoom Kaiju. Any more input would be great. And in your opinion how much overhang is "acceptable". Thanks again