Snowboarding Forum - Snowboard Enthusiast Forums banner

Advice on first board!

1K views 9 replies 8 participants last post by  timmytard 
#1 ·
Hi all. I'm a new rider (literally, never rode before) but super excited for the upcoming snowboard season. I have done a tonne of research, but still need a bit of help picking out a new board. I'd like something beginner friendly, but also something I can grow into. Here some info:

- 155 lbs, a bit under 6 ft, 11 shoe size
- Plan on riding 3 days a week (2 nights, 1 day)
- Mostly small local hills this year (groomers)
- Not interested in park at this time
- Interested in hybrid camber profiles (camber-rocker-camber), 155 cm boards, regular width
- Willing to spend more to get quality gear

I'm in Canada, so it's difficult to get some brands. I have access to Flow, Burton, Never Summer, Gnu, Libtech, and some K2 and Rossignol.

Here's the 2014/2015 boards I've been considering:

- Never Summer Proto (pricey; and I'm told not beginner friendly)
- Flow Merc (I can get this cheap; is it too soft?)
- Burton Process Flying V (don't like being forced to get Burton bindings to get maximum benefit from channel sytem)
- Gnu Carbon Credit (seems like mostly rocker, would prefer bit of camber in the mix)
- 2013 K2 Fuse (old model is super cheap at local sport store; has flat profile)
- Rossignol Angus (on sale at local store; perhaps a bit much camber; stiff)

What do you guys think? The one I'm mostly leaning towards is the Flow Merc, then maybe down the road get a Never Summer once I get a bit better.

Thanks!
 
See less See more
#6 ·
Awesome, glad to hear the Merc has some good support.

Where abouts in Canada eh,?

I have a brand new one with NXT-AT's on it.


TT
Southern Ontario! Toronto area. Really can't get much flatter, but hey, something is better than nothing I guess. Also can't beat being able to hit the hills after work. How do you like the board with the Flow bindings? I was thinking either going with a pair of Flow Fuse's, or Union Force's. I like the idea of the Flow's, but a bit worried that the stability wouldn't be quite as good as the traditional designs.

I think what he's saying is that if he gets the Process, he's limited to Burton bindings.

If you can get a good deal on the Merc, I say go for it. Being it's your first board, you'll probably end up wanting to upgrade or just get new gear sooner rather than later. :D It's just the nature of the beast.
Yup exactly. From what I was told, getting non-Burton bindings for the Process isn't ideal. EST Burton bindings apparently offer greater flex, but once you strap on an adapter plate onto non-EST bindings, you lose the benefit.

I'm starting to feel like I am the most educated snowboarder than has never actually ridden a snowboard :p

Thanks everyone, sounds like the Merc is perhaps the best way to go.
 
#5 ·
I think what he's saying is that if he gets the Process, he's limited to Burton bindings.

If you can get a good deal on the Merc, I say go for it. Being it's your first board, you'll probably end up wanting to upgrade or just get new gear sooner rather than later. :D It's just the nature of the beast.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top