[snowballz]

So, for many years now my snowboarding aim has been to try and get to the bottom of the mountain as fast as possible and hence I own stiff boards for bombing. But... I'd like to advance and learn some new skills so have decided to buy a park board. I've read reviews and seen what is available in my local shops so have got it down to 3 boards:

Arbor Westmark
Yes Jackpot
NS Evo

(Proto looks great but I want a bigger departure from stiff boards I own now)

From what I've read I would be happy with any of the above but would appreciate any advice before committing.... Bearing in mind I would appreciate a forgiving board considering how many landings I'm likely to, um, misjudge! (Helmet and back protector already bought!) I will probably try more jumps than rails. I've also bought last season's Malavita bindings and Burton Hail boots as my current set up is about speed.

Thanks for any info in advance!

 

[poutanen]

Can't give you specific info as I haven't tried any of those boards.

What I can say is that if you're used to riding a stiff "bomber" don't go too soft on a park board. Riding a noodle is really not confidence inspiring. I take my T7 and Virus into the park because that's what I'm comfortable on already. Stiff boards usually have lots of pop and can handle a choppy landing potentially better than a noodle.

So if one of those is on the stiffer side of the others, I'd suggest that one.

Otherwise maybe use warranty and service history as a reason to choose one over the other?!?

 

[snowballz]

Thanks for the reply man. I will have a look at the respective board stiffness's. The two boards I have now I think are ok at the jumps I have tried in the past, but they are practically impossible to butter... for me anyway. Hence why I was looking for something softer.

 

[areveruz]

I own the Evo and have ridden the Westmark. Personally, I prefer the Westmark, but both will get the job done. Neither are noodly, both have good pop and can lock presses well. They also both have softer tips so it makes buttering a breeze. I just think the Westmark is a better overall board & I felt way more comfortable jumping on it, not to mention it's a heck of a lot cheaper. Can't say anything from experience about the Jackpot.

 

[Nivek]

Sounds like the Jackpot to me. You're used to riding stiff baords. Going to softer and rocker between your feet is going to feel really loose. The Jackpot has enough rocker just in the tips so it will be forgiving enough but the camber between the feet will give you more of the stability you're used to.

 

[snowballz]

Thanks for the info guys.

I'm sure any of these boards would do the job, especially as I am new to the world of park riding. However it's great to get some input as it makes me feel a bit better when I hand over my bank card to the board shop!

I think the point about the Jackpot is a good one... although one of my boards is a Lib Tech with a central rocker (with camber) it is still quite stiff and it took me a while to get used to it having only used regular camber before, so to go a step further and have a soft rocker board might be hard to get to grips with.

Is there any board that I should have added to that list just before I go and splurge some cash? I left out Lobster because I've heard they are similar to Battalion and I wasn't too keen on their BTB base thingy when I tested one a while back. The local shop has a Slash Paxon too, however I can't find much info about that board. Anyone tried it?

Thanks again.

 

[snowballz]

... addition to say, The Good Ride says the Slash - Park (called the Happy Place this year) is pretty much the same as/similar to the Yes Jackpot?

Anyone know if this is true? Because the Happy Place is cheaper!