[SBK]

Anyone know any place in Seattle or the Seattle area where they rent or demo LibTech boards?

I understand that Mt Baker has a few they rent but am lookig for someplace closer.

FWIW looking to try a TRS, T. Rice & Jamie Lynn in the 157-159 size range.

Thanks

 

[wrathfuldeity]

But Baker would be a good place to actually ride them

 

[SBK]

This is true but it is a 3 hour drive from my house and a full tank of gas versus a 1-1/2 hour drive and only half a tank of gas to Crystal or Stevens.

I'm contacting Baker Rentals to see what they have in inventory and will definitely get up there but would like to have the option of renting in town and then picking the resort.

 

[wrathfuldeity]

Do the performance rental at the white salmon lodge and you can change out boards all day long to demo a bunch.

get some buds to go and make them pay for gas and beer.

 

[SBK]

I just emailed the White Salmon rental shop to see what they have in stock and plan on heading up there with my ususal crew and try as many boards as I can.

Would like to have the option to ride elsewhere too.

 

[DrnknZag]

Mervin just announced their demo days today on their website...

Mervin Manufacturing

 

[SBK]

Thanks for posting that!

Looking to head to Mission this weekend.

Typically how many boards and sizes do they bring?

 

[DrnknZag]

^^No idea....I'm assuming they'll bring a couple sizes of most of their boards. I've never ridden a Mervin before, too bad they're not doing a demo at Stevens this year....

 

[SBK]

I've e-mailed Mervin but no reply so far. Might try post elsewhere on this forum to see if anyone else know.

Too bad about Stevens since that is my main hill. Mission should be a good testing ground as I'm assuming all the hybrid/rocker boards are going to be better in powder than my full camber Arbor. There should be eveeything from fresh groomres to icy crud there this weekend, really want to ride a magnatraction board on this to see how they go.

Been reading your review of the BG, love that graphic and it is on my short list to try if they have one.

 

[SBK]

Just heard from the Mervin rep, this is the list of boards they will have plus possibly a few more.

Gnu 2011-12 Updated
Model Size
Park Pickle 148
Park Pickle 153
RC 158W
Carbon Credit 159
RC 154.5
Altered G 159
B-Pro 152
B-Street 149
B-Mini 135
Carbon Credit 156
Park Pickle 156
Impossible 159
Dirty Pillow 159
B-Nice 148
Park Pickle 156W
B-Nice 151
RC 157.5

Lib 2011-12
Model Size
Attack Banana 159
Ripper 140
TRS 148N
Box Scratcher 154
Skate Banana 156
Box Scratcher 147
Trice 153
Skunk Ape 161
La Nina 156
Trice HP 157

Roxy 2011-12
Model Size
Ollie Pop 148
Envi 153
Ally 147

 

[SBK]

Thanks DrnknZag for posting that,

Thanks also to the folks from Mervin and Revolution Snow and Skate for a great day at Mission demo riding boards.

Perfect conditons for my first time riding boards with Magnatraction and it is as advertised, really held an edge through icy groomers.

 

[GorgeDad]

... and what was the verdict? Any closer to picking a board or, if you're anything like me, did it just get harder for you after you rode 5 you liked?

 

[SBK]

Well it answered some questions and raised some others.
I rode a 157 TRS, 157 T. Rice HP, 159 GNU Altered Genetics and a 154 Box Scratcher for yucks.

What I found is that I really like the Magnatraction so I'm pretty much set on buying a LibTech or GNU. I also liked the hybrid-camber.

I liked the GNU AG the best; it was really fun for me to ride. It cruised through bumps, was fairly damp but still lively, turned really well and handled as much speed as I'm comfortable with while feeling stable.

The T. Rice was super lively, carved really well and just wanted to go fast. The TRS was a little mellower but great to ride, handled the chopped up groomers really well.

I think I could be happy with any of these boards.

I did really want to ride a LT Jamie Lynn but they didn't have one. The spec's are pretty similar to the GNU AG in terms of width & set-back so I that I assume I would probably like it. It is supposed to be stiffer too.

I'm not sure if one of the reasons I liked the GNU was that it was longer, it felt more stable to me. I also liked the set back. I don’t ever ride switch and liked the feel of this and it sounds like it will float a little better in powder.

That raised the question of what length of board to buy. I’ve been told a lot lately that I should be looking at a shorter board than my current 161 but based on my test rides I preferred the 159 to the 157. The Jamie Lynn comes in 157, 157W & 160 and at this point I would probably get the 160 if I went that route and 159 for the AG.

All in all it was real productive for me having heard both positive and negative reviews about the Magnatraction plus all the boards I rode seemed to have been real well made.

 

[GorgeDad]

There is no substitute for riding and seeing what you like best. It beats anything you hear or read. You didn't mention your weight, but that and your riding style dictate the appropriate size for each board. Sounds like you've pretty much dialed in to the size that fits you best - go with that, not what you're told. At 175 lbs., I ride a 2011 161 T.Rice (non HP) and can certainly give that board the thumbs up. You've narrowed to some nice boards ... good luck!

 

[SBK]

True enough. Had never done a demo before but will make an effort in the future to hit them up once in a while just to see what is out there. I normally don't like to go on weekends because of crowds but maybe do it once in a while if there are demo's.

I think you are right about sizing since everyone probably wants something a little different from their boards. I'm in that 170-175 range too and it certainly seems like 159-160 will work nicely for me. I would really have like to have ridden that 161 T. Rice to see how it compares to the 157 especially since they are a little different shapes.

Keeping my eye out for any deals that pop up for any of these boards in my size. Usually after Christmas you can get some sweet deals.

 

[Triple8Sol]

I need to try and make it out to Crystal for the demo day this Sun. I really wanna try the Lib Attack Banana and the redesigned Gnu Rider's Choice.

 

[SBK]

If you are thinking about getting one you should. Got my GF an Attack Banana and so far she loves it but we've only had two limited days on the slopes.

I didn't have time to ride it at Mission but got enough other rides in that I got what I wanted out of it.

Rode the LT TRS which I was told by one of the rep's is essentially the same as the Gnu Rider's Choice. Fun board.

Hope you make it up.