[snowboardmama]

I been on a hiatus from hills for about 7 years- and now I can get my munckins up there and excited to get back into riding more regularly.

I am out of touch with the technology changes the last decade and have been researching all the rocker and hybrid combo style and reviews of more advanced all mountain boards. I am not getting a clear idea of which type of technology and benefits would best meet my riding style and help me advance my technical riding skills more. I want to focus more this next year on my turning initiations and techniques on steeps, mogals and powder riding.

I am an advanced semi-aggressive all mountain (forward rider- lots of carving on both groomed, ungroomed some powder). Aging myself- I need to upgrade from my 150 Rossi Professional (circa late 90's- 2000). Its been alright over the years, a little stiff but good control and stable through chunky conditions. Not into park riding, tricks or much jumps.

Looking for suggestions on a previous year model for more advanced woman riders. I am been reading reviews and wondered about suggestions. Curious about Rome boards or Never Summers and some of the other lines I am not as familiar with from my old school days... I am 5'4 about 135lbs and considering the 155-160 size range. I am looking for the stability for deep carving but also some flex for quick turn initiations and as I mentioned want to push my skills up another notch. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[walove]

at your size i'd be looking at boards in the low 150's. people are riding smaller boards these days, rocker lets a shorter board float well in pow, and other tech is making smaller boards more stable.

girls i know that rip like the gnu bpro,

neversummer lotus gets good reviews

dont know much about romes line, maybe an agent rocker in the smaller sizes.

 

[david_z]

girls i know that rip like the gnu bpro,

Same here.

 

[wrathfuldeity]

yup...b-pro...if ur really want to get wild....billygoat

 

[jtg]

You might also like the libtech TRS in the 148N or 151N. I also feel like your desired range of 155-160 is longer than ideal. The TRS seems similar to the GNU B-nice but has the "Power" variant of C2 BTX which is supposed to be a little flatter and more aggressive, so it will be closer to camber that you are used to.

 

[neni]

:welcome:
Nice to hear from an other lady liking rather big boards
Guess, we have quite the same prerequisites... was looking for quite a similar board (carving, stability) and got lots of sweet recommendations here: http://www.snowboardingforum.com/boards/74850-groomer-board-help-me-choose.html
(was looking for a groomer board since I have my perfect powder stiffy, but most of the boards the guys recommended are also suitable for pow)

 

[Mel M]

Looking for a 2nd freeride board for my wife and the 2014 Never Summer Raven is on top of the list. You had mentioned that you wanted something not too hard to turn. If I'm not mistaken, they softened the flex between the bindings, but kept the board stiff longitudinally compared to the Lotus. Hopefully an NS rep can chime in.

 

[snowboardmama]

I still am debating with my riding style considering a traditional camber board. I can't imagine going smaller than 150. I always have wanted more board to lean in even more with my old Rossi 150. Wouldn't a board with more flex and a rocker hybrid make me even want more board to lean in on?

I grew up riding northwest cement and in AK and now in an area that actually may get regular power. Sounds like something with rocker would help with the powder but not clear I like giving up the solid stability. I don't want too washy of a ride.

I actually like when I put work into some on steep terrain turns. I wonder if or how rockers/ hybrids technology could improve mogal/ steep turns response. I didn't get back out until late this spring and my mogal maneuvering was just a lot more kick-hop turns and not as smooth and controlled as I prefer. Not too sure I want to make turning too easy but rather get back to handling some steep terrain and bumps with a little grace.

 

[jtg]

I grew up riding northwest cement and in AK and now in an area that actually may get regular powder.

:icon_scratch:

If you moved somewhere else in hopes of more snow, I think you might realize that you've been spoiled. The NW gets the most powder in the world...

Anyway, there are weird outliers I keep hearing of, but for example Snowolf is 185lbs and rides a 156. So at your 135lbs, a 160 is pretty huge by most standards unless it's only a powder board. Again, it's not unheard of (neni seems to prefer it for example), but a survey of riders at your weight and skill level seems to be much more concentrated near 150 than 160.

Check this to get a better understanding of the camber/rocker/hybrid setups and what they are good at. Most brands have similar tech with different names:
http://www.lib-tech.com/snowboarding/technology/

You will probably be most interested in C2 (aka RC in Neversummer) or C3 perhaps. Here is Snowolf's review thread of an NS board that has RC and where he talks about some of the things you're wondering about:

http://www.snowboardingforum.com/snowboard-reviews/71634-review-2014-neversummer-raptor.html

In particular:

Full rocker in deep powder is magical. I do not like full rocker on anything else however and want a board that does everything fairly well. I find that the RC hybrid is the best riding, most versatile profile in existence. One of the biggest advantages to rocker and RC is float in powder with shorter overall board length. Both this Raptor and my Billy Goat are 156 CM and I am 185. All of my traditional cambered decks are in the 160-162 range and dedicated powder board is a 169. The Billy Goat and the Raptor both float significantly better than that 169.

I find that camber-rocker-camber is my favorite RC configuration. I find it to be superior in powder and the most agile in tight trees, technical steeps and large moguls. The rocker between the feet also adds a level of playfulness that turns the entire mountain into a fun terrain park. The dual camber zones under foot provide exceptional edge hold and superior carving performance. This profile handles nearly identical to traditional camber when ridden with high edge angle.

 

[neni]

Sounds like something with rocker would help with the powder but not clear I like giving up the solid stability. I don't want too washy of a ride.

I actually like when I put work into some on steep terrain turns. I wonder if or how rockers/ hybrids technology could improve mogal/ steep turns response. I didn't get back out until late this spring and my mogal maneuvering was just a lot more kick-hop turns and not as smooth and controlled as I prefer. Not too sure I want to make turning too easy but rather get back to handling some steep terrain and bumps with a little grace.

Doesn't sound like RC to me... Was testing several boards recently. I like stability and response. Didn't like the "gym. ball between feet" feeling of all the RC I tested (NS Raven, NS SL, NS Raptor, Burton Sherlock - this with flying V). It also doesn't sound as if you should get a too short board. If you're used to put some force on the board, you need a board that can handle this pressure. The 146 Raven was not holding the backside edge when I was leaning in (on nice steep groomer). Liked the Ride Highlife 155 a lot. Easier to turn in moguls and a bit damper than my board (Jones Flagship 158), very stable and responsive, great carver. But in afternoon groomers this board could also get uncomfortable.
Have a look into Camrock (CR) shapes. A rather stiff but well dampened one. My impression was, that I get the best out of this shape: the rocker on the nose improves float in pow and isn't as catchy while carving in not perfectly groomed conditions as trad. camber. And you get the stability while straight lining.
Liked the Salomon Idol (wished it would have been longer than 149 to get a proper idea of it). It has less torsional flex than other womans boards thus pretty good edgehold and response. I've never ridden the Jones Mothership, but it might be worth looking at. It's damper than the Flagship, what could provide a less harsh ride in chopped up crud. In two weeks I can give some feedback on the Nidecker Megalight.

 

[snowboardmama]

neni-
Thanks for the link to your other discussions looking for a groomer board. I easily was distracted for maybe hour in the office this morning trying to follow the comments and appreciate your descriptions. It was really helpful and you had a number of the same questions I have.

I can't recall did you get to test the Lotus, the Rossi diva or the Twin sister, I would be curious your thoughts with each? I still have some apprehension against women boards, so I do wonder about any you found that appealed to you. I think you mentioned some of the woman boards that just felt too light and that's probably one of my concerns after I have been riding a stiff directional for so long. Did you get to try the Raptor in a shorter version? I didn't catch if you had tried the B-Pro? I think I recall you had the Custom X before if I recall correctly from that post so also curious about any of Burtons line.

Thanks

 

[Lamps]

neni-
Thanks for the link to your other discussions looking for a groomer board. I easily was distracted for maybe hour in the office this morning trying to follow the comments and appreciate your descriptions. It was really helpful and you had a number of the same questions I have.

I can't recall did you get to test the Lotus, the Rossi diva or the Twin sister, I would be curious your thoughts with each? I still have some apprehension against women boards, so I do wonder about any you found that appealed to you. I think you mentioned some of the woman boards that just felt too light and that's probably one of my concerns after I have been riding a stiff directional for so long. Did you get to try the Raptor in a shorter version? I didn't catch if you had tried the B-Pro? I think I recall you had the Custom X before if I recall correctly from that post so also curious about any of Burtons line.

Thanks

Dude giving advice for a ladies board so take it for what it's worth.

First off if you haven't demo'd some of the non camber offerings you really should, especially since you now live in an area where soft snow and powder are more common. Also the non cambered shapes really excel in powder.

If you're going to be riding with the kiddies a lot you may not get to charge the hill that often and you might want a board that was more fun than charging oriented.

For more aggressive riding from the burton ladies line you should consider the feelgood in both camber and flying v configuration. If you want a board for advanced riders they dropped the ladies fortress recently (Last year I think but a used one might fit the bill.) From the guys line if you want a hard charging board the custom X is the board for that application.

My friend's wife rides an NS infinity and really likes it. As I recall it's a hybrid shape, maybe not as aggressive a board as the lotus.

 

[Kauila]

Hi sbingmama, I'm also a snowboarding mom, I ride with my boys, ages 14 and 11.

I just started riding a NS lotus, my previous board was an Arbor Cadence, so a pretty different board profile altogether.

Lotus is a great board. Stable, great for wide carves, snappy on quick turns. I thought it was going to be a heavy board, but it doesn't seem much heavier than my Cadence, at least to me. Super responsive, but won't tolerate sloppy riding.

I can barely keep up with my older son anymore, but my younger son is a much less consistent rider and falls down a lot--so when I'm riding with them, I get pulled in two directions--one moment charging to keep up with son1, then seeing son2 fall over and lose my flow and fall over myself for no reason. But the board's great for doing what I want to do.

I'm 5'6" 144 lbs and ride a 154. It's the longest board I've ridden but feels just right.

 

[MelC]

I am a similar height weight. Just upgraded my trusty Burton Feelgood camber for a Rossi Diva (2010 model). I am in the NE and the magtek sold me. Had a great season on it and it definitely iimproved my carving. Great hold and turns on a dime. Moguls are actually approaching fun.

I upsized from a 149 to the 152. Hard to say if that made a big difference since they were such different boards.

If it helps I strongly considered a Roxy envi and a neversummer lotus as well.

 

[neni]

Yes, I had a Custom X, the smallest (147) I ever owned, but its some years ago. It was nice on groomers but hell in pow, thus I soon got a longer one, the Palmer Liberty Carbon 157, my first woman's board. Had two ruptured discs in the neck from a bad riding (horse) accident then and was riding rather cautious by this time. This might be the reason why I'm so focused on stability and control, and this led me to the hybrid camber Flagship.

From all the boards I've been riding during the last weeks, the Flagship still is the one I like most / feel most confident with. Fabulous stability/response/control/edge hold/ and float from the rocker tip. Didn't manage to catch an edge even if I tried to force it to. If I have this deck under my feet, I seem to grow and get this "I'm the king of the world" feeling, that WE can manage everything (ok, leave away riding switch ) and it was not only a subjective impression, husband also mentioned that I ride very different on this deck. Guided me to new pow runs, way steeper and more difficult to negotiate this year. Was amazed by myself from time to time, since at the beginning of this season I wouldn't have considered myself to be an advanced rider. Now I know, that - for me - it depends a lot on the board. From the other boards, I got a comparable confidence to go straight line from the Ride Highlife 155 and the huge Volkl Coal. Both stiff and rather heavy, but then you FEEL them. Give me a wiggly or a light short board and I ride like a sissy :dunno:

But that's me... best thing is, you try a RC and look, if it's something for you. Maybe you're not as distracted by their ride as I am (husband rides his Raptor with the same dear-devil confidence as his Custom X). I haven't been on a shorter Raptor but was told that the "unstable" feeling would be even more pronounced on shorter ones.
Thus I'll concentrate on hybrid camber or flat-rocker in my search for a tamer second option deck for the slow-husband-on-tellies-groomer-days, maybe give a larger Raven a try (was told that the Raven is more stable to straight line than the Lotus), just to be completely sure. Sadly, I can't give you more information on woman's boards. The only ones I've demoed so far were the NS Raven 146 and Salomon Idol 149. The next demo event will be in October, then with more brands and more sizes of each 2014 type. There's an entire summer to read through descriptions and reviews :laugh:

 

[mixie]

First off if you haven't demo'd some of the non camber offerings you really should, especially since you now live in an area where soft snow and powder are more common. Also the non cambered shapes really excel in powder.

x2

demo a hand full of boards, different shapes and edge tech.

Then buy what you like. Even better find a local shop to demo from and buy from them. They'll probably take the cost of demo of the purchase and work on your board at a good discount. I thrash the hell out of my board and dislike waxing (tho I will do it often in spring) so for me, that's a plus.

I read like a million board reviews and learned about this and that shape, magne grip etc...

then I demoed a bunch and realized that just riding the damn thing was no comparision to reading about it. Esp if you're looking at spending 400+ on a board.

 

[Oldman]

So great to see all of our Ladies chiming in here. Mama, you are getting some very solid feedback here, but I think we would all agree that once you have filtered through all of the input, given how much has changed in boards, you TOTALLY owe it to yourself to get out and demo some decks. I would suggest you are going to be very surprised with what is available.

Above all else, make your decision based on what feels good to you. if you like riding a 155 to a 160, then do so. But try as many different decks at as many different lengths as you can. Only then will you really know what is right for you. Sounds like you have enough experience to know when you find the "One"

Good Luck on your quest.

 

[chomps1211]

Welcome Back to the Addiction!!!

Since you mentioned being a little out of date on all the "New Tech," I thought I'd post a link to this page:

snowboard community forums - Ippy's Snowboard Buying Guide - Page 1

This page gives a VERY good Description of pretty much ALL your board & Tech. options! Size, profile, tech, New tech, riding style's/needs etc. etc. etc.!!! It can be a bit of information overload if you're a NooB and unfamiliar with all the terminology and tech, but your post makes it clear you are NOT a NooB, so hopefully this link will prove to be helpful as you go about returning to this addiction! (...BTW, great idea getting the kiddies hooked on doing lines of POW along with Mom!!!)

{Edit:}
...and agree with the advice to Demo, Demo, Demo before you buy!!! if you can!

 

[neni]

Hey!
I had a Ride Farah 153 demo today. Well... brought it back to the shop an bought the last one in this size they had. VERY satisfied by this board
My impressions: http://www.snowboardingforum.com/boards/74850-groomer-board-help-me-choose-10.html#post908642