[steeeezE]

Aloha shredders!

I bought my first-ever, exclusively pow board. Burton Day Trader with Lexa bindings. Long story short, I thought I was buying a 145 but it turned out to be a 150. There was a "spec sheet" covering the length, and the shop manager told me it was 145 and the PERFECT size for me. Obviously I was overcame by excitement since I didn't even think to do a thorough check until I got home.

I’m worried that it will be too long, by a lot, since I’ve been riding a 141 camber/freestyle/all-mountain board for the past 7 years. At 5’1” and 110lbs, apparently I should to be riding 137-144 (my main interest is freestyle & park). But the shop manager said it was the perfect size for me - whether he was basing it on the board height visually or the number.... I'm not sure what to do. I can potentially return it, since I haven’t used it yet. I know there's lots of forums on here suggesting the pros & cons of a longer board... but is there such thing as too long? Even if it's a struggle, it's not really worth spending $400 on, despite the good deal. I'm a fairly advanced rider, 14+ years. I'm going to Chile on a tour in August and don't want to be screwed for time. Any suggestions help!

 

[wrathfuldeity]

With 14 yrs exp., very minimal impact...but more importantly is what do you anticipate the chilly pow is going to be like? Deep cold and fluffy...150 perfect, wet and heavy and wind blown...not so much. Split the difference and get a 148; at your number of years, you should be able to throw around a 148 on any conditions. Back in the day when my daughter was your size, a 148 stiffy FR was her go to for most conditions ( she had a 144 cambered twin for park and a 155 for big pow days at Baker.

 

[steeeezE]

It will be deep, cold and fluffy. Mornings are sometimes known to be icier and groomed. I still have my smaller board for park (141, twin, camber, flexier), which I've used in pow, and although its not the absolute BEST case, I'm very comfortable on this board.

However, this board's use won't end in Chile, although I could sell it afterwards. Coming from the PNW, Whistler is my mountain of choice, and tends to be much warmer and wetter. It will remain a pow board regardless.

Given what you said, I'm thinking I don't have much to worry about. I'll see what a few others have to say before I start raising a real concern. Appreciate the reply!

 

[neni]

First off, some will say naw, no prob, you can handle it, others will say go for weight range...
I ride my pow boards rather large, BUT that's because I have a long history of riding oversized freeride boards, so it doesn't bother me, I'm so used to it that "properly" sized boards feel alien.

You OTOH come from rather short boards, so an oversized pow board (which in addition is wider than your groomer deck) would feel quite coarse.

Thus, I'd return it. It's larger, wider and has more radius - i.e. is generally less agile - than the shorter one, AND you really don't need that size if you don't aim at gaining 30lbs in the next year.

 

[steeeezE]

Good to know! These were my thoughts exactly. I have a tendency to ride smaller boards... however, I've rented large boards up to 150... I just felt more restricted. Will update you if I'm even able to return the board when I buy my backcountry gear. I didn't mention that either, this will be used in never-touched, deeeeeppp powder. Another factor to consider. But there's also more versatile boards, such as the NS aura with flux bindings... which would work in nearly anything, maybe not at as well in powder as the day trader though. Thanks for the reply

 

[wrathfuldeity]

Anyway you know this stuff since riding whistler/BC for 14 yrs...return it and gear up for your bc splitty gear. And Ms Neni is your go to for all things badass.

 

[steeeezE]

Well I've noticeably improved my riding this past season... so I figured it was time to upgrade my gear. Splitty gear might come somewhere down the line, if I commit to the snowboard lifestyle! I've gained lots of insight from these suggestions. I will see if I can return the board for something more suited to me. Cheers homies!

 

[neni]

Another factor to consider. But there's also more versatile boards, such as the NS aura with flux bindings... which would work in nearly anything, maybe not at as well in powder as the day trader though. Thanks for the reply

I wouldn't consider Aura for pow. It's a good groomer board. Like mine a lot. But in deep, be prepared for nose dip spills. It just doesn't float well enough for any decent speed in deep. If you're interested into NS decks, check out the Maverix. That's a fun board in pow! And also rides good on groomers.

 

[steeeezE]

I was looking at that one and also an abour board. Don't remember the model but it was beautiful. Either way, I know I'm looking for a smaller board so that is my first consideration.

 

[SlvrDragon50]

I was looking at that one and also an abour board. Don't remember the model but it was beautiful. Either way, I know I'm looking for a smaller board so that is my first consideration.

Loveeeee Arbor graphics. Just ordered my first Arbor, to come Monday.

 

[Snowdaddy]

Wouldn't the riders stance matter if the board was too long?

 

[SGboarder]

Wouldn't the riders stance matter if the board was too long?

Not really, most boards (not all) support pretty similar stance width ranges.

 

[Snowdaddy]

Not really, most boards (not all) support pretty similar stance width ranges.

I didn't know that, thanks.

 

[steamboat]

Return that board! It’s way to big for you. With your height/weight, you will not be able to make tight turns in the trees, where all the good powder is.