BoostinChick

^ Great! Thank you again for the feedback. What you mention makes sense since the Proto CT is supposed to be a monster mash of the SL/Evo.

Thanks again

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- Sandy

NWBoarder

You're gonna love the Proto, especially if you wait and get the HD. As for an all mountain NS stick, the Heritage is where I would go. I've never ridden a Raptor, but the Heritage is plenty stiff, as well as damp, and great at groomer slaying and crud busting.

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Oh yeah!? Well, my mom says I'm cool!

Mel M

It's been mentioned by Snowolf in a previous post that the Proto HD and the Raptor would probably make the ideal NS quiver for someone who isn't too jib heavy.

I had a friend who pretty much exclusively uses jib boards and he went and tried my Raptor a few days ago. Until he tried this board, he couldn't see what the big deal about carving was. Needless to say he was addicted after a few runs and is looking to maybe getting one next year. All he went on about was how the board just "bites" and "rails" through a turn like you were putting afterburners on. All NS boards carve to some degree or another, but this particular one (Raptor), just takes it to another level. I've only rode the SL previously for a few years, but I can definitely tell the difference in carving ability is HUGE!

scottyroo

Going to get some good spring riding in tomorrow night on some Utah fresh... can't wait.

danm

Nice! Pretty dang sure my sliding season is done, that's why I've been working on the MTB



danm

scottyroo

Sick bike!

March and April are an amazing time of the year. Biking, golf, riding fresh pow... gotta love the change of seasons.

markiel

Just pulled the trigger on the 2013 Raptor 164...

I've been riding a 165 T5 for the past 7 years, on a 163 premier for 7 years before that...

I was really vascilating between waiting on the 2014 with the increased dampness, or if I should go for a Cobra, since I live for powder in the trees...
I went with the Raptor because I wanted something that would handle the big mountain stuff and crud when I needed it...

Also torn between a 164 or the 161x. I'm a size 12 shoe, but ride in 11/11.5 boots. At 5'11" and 170, I guess I'm a little light for a 164, but I've been riding longer boards all my life.

Anyone have any word on this Raptor vs. Cobra choice?
164 vs. 161x or even a 159?
and 2014 vs 2013....

Mainly hoping that I made the right choice cause I'll be on this board for the next 7 years.

scottyroo

I was torn between a 164 and 165X and I have a 10.5 boot with a small-ish footprint. I'm 6'3" 195 so the 164/65 length is perfect for me. I've stuck with the 164 and it has been great.

I think both your weight and boot size is much better suited for a 161X. You will get a little better maneuverability in the trees that you like from the shorter board and will float better in the powder due to less toe/heel drag. My feet are on the border of getting a wide board with a size 11 shoe and 10.5 boot but with you being an 11.5-12, definitely go with the 161X.

glaucon

For what it's worth, I'm 5'10", 175, size 11.5 boot (with Burton shrinkage), and am very happy with the 161X. There is very little overhang, so I could probably swing a non-wide board with my setup, but it might be pushing it if I'm using non-shrinkage 11.5 boots or larger.

I love trees as well and the 161X is a dream. At your weight, the 164 might be a bit large if you need super agility but I'm sure you can handle it given your experience with boards at that length. The Raptor really isn't all that stiff, all things considered.

markiel

Thanks for the quick replies...

Now, I'm a bit torn based on the advice towards the 161x...

The waist width the 164 is about 0.5 cm less than my T5, and the 161x is about 0.5 cm more.

I do ride with an agressive stance at +27 & +12 degrees, so maybe that would help make the narrow board better...