[drewbull]

Hey, gang!

I'm seeking some advice from experienced riders for my new board hunt. As I've finally gotten some serious seasons under my belt (not the 1-3 rides a season I've had since a kid), I'm looking to further understand the mechanics that go into my board and how they compliment my riding style. I have the tendency to be wordy, so, please accept my apology in advance if you get the feeling you're reading a shitty hipster blog (no offense to the hipsters).

Present circumstance:
Most of my recent (and present) riding is with a less aggressive, but still fierce, Woman rider, and her 10 year old son whom we are teaching (3rd season, but still learning). Because of this, I spend most of my time on Blue Groomers. During this time I like to jump off anything possible, practice my flatland spins, jibs, and switch riding; whenever I can, I hit moguls and take dashes into the trees--I don't ride in the park anymore, but I treat the mountain the same way. If I get time alone, I like to get nostalgic and ride the steeps, moguls and back bowls, like I did when my father was still my main riding partner.

Present dilemma:
Plain and simple, I don't feel that I have enough control over my board for how playfully I'm riding. Although my attitude is quick and aggressive and playful, I'm pretty clumsy. I'm 6'4" and 160 lbs., and, although I like to think I'm riding rather gracefully, I know it's more likely that I'm flailing around the mountain like a madman, and I really don't think I'm strong enough to control my board in order to ride the way I want to.

What I'd like:
Something that is loose and playful and forgiving, without losing the snap that I need to kick it into gear when I'm riding without the family.

Things I'm considering:
Given my height, should I pick a wide board to help with balance and stability (I don't imagine a longer board, given my weight / strength)?
Should I get a shorter board to help with my strength / control issues?
Is a Freestyle board a better option than an All-Mountain, in terms of flex (for forgiveness / playfulness)?
Will a Rocker / Camber hybrid give me the snappy control (in trees / on bumps) I'm imagining it will?

After riding my lady's Never Summer Raven for an extremely brief period, I immediately felt I was missing out on a whole world of Snowboarding that I was eager to dip into. Because of this I've been considering a Never Summer board (in addition to being a local company). A shoppee recommended that I try the Ripsaw, but it felt even more challenging than my current ride, so I know that was a step in the wrong direction. However, I have been heavily considering the NS Proto, but am absolutely open to other options.

If I happened to miss something, which, ironically, I probably have -.- please feel free to ask any questions!

Cheers,
Drew

Current set:
Ride Machete 158, Flux DS (L), Ride Lasso (10) (All '13/'14)

 

[jae]

asym doesn't hurt switch, it's the same as your heel side is always heel side. asym will help you make heelside carves easier and more natural feeling riding regular or goofy. you definitely should be looking at the funslinger 156 and the proto type two 157.

only reason to get a wide is if you're frequently booting out due to euro carves or you're frequently on 45 degree slopes. otherwise if you want more stability go longer rather than wider. wider will give you more stability as it has more surface area, but you sacrifice mobility.

kick that shop kid in the balls for giving you a ripsaw. exact opposite of what you're looking for.

what's your boot size?

 

[drewbull]

Ah! That makes a lot more sense! I guess I mixed up asymmetrical with directional. Thanks for clearing that up for me!

Thanks for your recommendations, I was looking at the Funslinger earlier, as well, so it's good to know my head's in the right area. Would you recommend any other brands other than Never Summer? Unfortunately my only experience is on a Ride deck, aside from the NS demo.

I definitely have some drag, but as you said, I don't notice it much unless I'm riding the steeper stuff. Boot size is a 10. Unfortunately forum mods won't allow me to post any pictures, but they probably hang 1/2" on either side.

I think people are confused when I say that I like the ride hard, and not in the park, and they think I need a stiff board. Who knows?

 

[jae]

you should be good with a 156. you can get away with a 153, but the 156 will be better since you're worried about stability. if you really don't want to boot out get the funslingerX 154.

if you want to look at other brands there are too many to list. a couple to look at is the yes. basic/typo, capita outerspace living/ultra fear/springbreak twin etc etc. it would probably be easier just to state a profile and flex rating.

 

[f00bar]

Funslinger sounds like a decent choice. As would a Gnu Riders Choice or Space Case. I think the RC would do the whole mountain experience a tad better.