[12MA]

Hi everyone and thank you in advance for giving my question some thought -
I am searching for advice on choosing a new board. I am returning to boarding after an 8 year break (been skiing instead).
I have not kept up with the evolution of boards - and there seems to be a lot ....I am reading reviews online, but need to hear from people who actually have ridden the boards and what their thoughts are.... I am 4 feet 11, 97 lbs, would place myself into the interm./advanced category. I live in europe and ride primarily at resorts in the dolomites. I'll go off piste if we have had good snow....
Given my weight and height, what features should I be looking for in a board - I am thinking of an all mountain board which will also allow me to go off piste when conditions allow -
Any recommendations /insight into board tech. for lighter riders would be appreciated,
M,

 

[pabstbluribbin]

You are roughly the same size as my 11 yr old daughter. My experience in finding her equipment (though she is a beginner and not inter/adv like you) is just that it is hard to find stuff in the right size. I would guess your options will be limited in finding the right size board for you (daughter rides a 126, would guess anything over 135 is too big for you) particularly because you are an advanced rider, and only suggestion I would have is you may need to look into mens/boys boards with more gender neutral graphics to give yourself better options. A lot of the youth boards are rocker, and while you don't state it specifically, would guess based on your riding you would want some camber. I would think an all mountain board is the right choice.

Check out the Youth Flagship from Jones, or Lib Tech T Rice Youth...one of the few camber youth boards out there with same tech as adult boards. My son rides the Lib Tech Dynasword and loves it but the graphics are probably not desirable for you. Capita's Jess Kimura Mini might also fit the bill but is rocker like most youth boards. Burton makes several youth camber (Feelgood, Custom, Hometown Hero).

 

[SEWiShred]

If the graphics suck, there's always the option of lots of stickers.

 

[Elevation212]

If its me I'm looking hard at one of these, one of the best board makers out there, at your weight this deck should rip

Moss Snowstick — U2

Kids Model Length: 1200 mm Running Length: 680.5 mm Effective Edge: 806 mm Sidecut Radius: 4900/4700 mm Nose Width: 260 mm Waist Width: 220 mm Tail Width: 246 mm Stance Width: 420 mm (380-460 mm) Set Back: -36.5 mm Profile: Snowsurf Camber

www.mosssnowstick.com

Moss Snowstick — MMD 135 - Kids Model

The mermaid. Sister board of the 58 Swallow, this square flex tail keeps the fun of the swallowtail but with a distinctively unique shape. Filling the gap of the swallowtail but holding onto the torsional playfulness, this board has incredible flexibility and responsiveness as well as stability. Not

www.mosssnowstick.com

 

[snoeboarder]

start shopping!!!!!!!!!!! don't let us ruin that for you, it's the most fun part, plus you'll learn a thing or two

...you thought you saw the light with skiing, welcome back to the fun side, THE DARK SIDE!!!

...like me you can eliminate probably 2/3 of the boards out there, but I'm on the flip side of specs you'd look for (6'3")

my girl is 5'0, I got love for shortys

best of luck!

p.s. - I've been in the same boat, shopping for myself is the way to start, then come back and say I've picked this this this and that, which do you recommend? just like you did above but with examples of what YOU like

 

[ridethecliche]

Have a look at the Niche Ember 140

 

[drblast]

Jones Twin Sister 140

 

[Nivek]

Don't stress, and don't get a kids boards

Nidecker Venus 139, Jones Twin Sister 140, Rossi Diva 140, Rome Muse

 

[snoway]

You're about the same size as my 9 year old daughter. She rides a Yes Fun Inc 133, a friend who is about your size rode it the other day after a hiatus from snowboarding and had a blast on it but ultimately said it wasn't quite stiff enough.

 

[Nivek]

You're about the same size as my 9 year old daughter. She rides a Yes Fun Inc 133, a friend who is about your size rode it the other day after a hiatus from snowboarding and had a blast on it but ultimately said it wasn't quite stiff enough

This. This is why you can't just get a kids board. You may weight the same, but you are stronger.

 

[Snowdaddy]

My daughter rides the Nitro Spirit with Union Cadet bindings.

Edited for speeling errors.

 

[12MA]

Thanks all! I'll check out all the recommendations! My old board was a 140 I think and I rented a 139 last week - not sure if it was a kid's ...
I am not new to kids gear and equipment! it has saved me tons of money in the past ( clothing primarily)
as a aside comment, I recently purchased a pair of cross country skis ( adult size) after having s very similar conversation with the sales lady regarding going to a kids pair. She brought out a kids size and they were too flexy - I still think I am too light for the adult one but possibly a better choice in the long run (time will tell)
I don't know about you guys, but I am limited to shopping online, so the reviews will need to guide me !
will keep you posted....

 

[12MA]

...you thought you saw the light with skiing, welcome back to the fun side, THE DARK SIDE!!!

HA! just like riding a bike... it has been so much fun to get back on the board....