You really don't need a board that big. 181 is huge. Even if you gained some more pounds as you got older, that is still pretty large. If you really want a big board and just want to do big carves, sure, you can probably get away with it.

What makes you want such a big board? You can find plenty of smaller boards with big waist widths that will support your size and be WAY quicker and responsive.

I'm 6'4 200 and ride a 161 C2 board. My older board was 167. I think you could be looking at a board in the high 160s unless you are dead set on a really big board.

 

181? I didn't know they still made snowboards that big. Sounds pretty excessive if you ask me, there are lots of guys around your size or bigger who ride much smaller boards.

Something to keep in mind is that rental boards mostly suck, and are not a good representation of what a good board should ride like. The Storm is a freeride stick for sure, which means it's made to handle that type of riding. Because it's made to handle that type of riding, a huge one would likely just be cumbersome.

I would personally stick in the 160's range, with all of the new technology out there most of these boards ride bigger then they are anyways.

 

I'm really not sure why I want a big board, it's just that in every sport I've done that involves a board, a big one has just felt "right". I started surfing, and when I was 8-10 I tried a 6' shortboard, but just couldn't ride it. Ended up moving to 9-11' longboards (keep in mind that that was when I was 10). Also, directly related to snowboarding, I know that rental boards are not a good representation, but I tried to ride a 164, and it felt too short, not in the noodlyness department or anything like that, it just felt unstable/like it just wasn't there. I took one run and went back for the 168.

I'm pretty set on the 172 or 181 Storm for the reasons I mentioned earlier (boot size, Venture makes great boards, I like the storm).

Is there anything wrong with my logic that I can get a 181, learn how to ride it on the 10-15 days I have at Alpine (Shitty boring repurposed landfill) and go out West after that? Because I've been getting really bored at Alpine, and I think that having a challenge to learn how to ride the board would help with my boredom.

 

You can go any size you want, it's just that the bigger the board - the harder to initiate and make turns. Every turn is going to take more effort and you will lose maneuverability. When you go out West your terrain is not going to be limited to shitty, flat wide open groomers. Your going to have powder, trees, bowls, steeps etc...

Having a lot of maneuverability on those types of terrain is very important. Grant you I'm 145lb 5'7, but I freeride on a 151 and love it because It's incredibly responsive and I never have to worry about making hairpin turns.

Honestly, humongous freeride boards have kind of become a thing of the past. More then anything they limit your riding.

 

I always thought that going out West would give me more room, the fun runs at Alpine are maybe 40' across. I probably won't do trees, as I wouldn't really trust myself on any board not to hit a tree (if the forests out there are as dense as our Ohio Maple forests. I'll have to take another look at the specs (I don't have acrobat installed on my comp, so looking at the specs PDF is a real pain.) But I might end up getting the 172. I was also thinking to get the 181, and then later on (one or two seasons from now, pick up a Prior Pow-Stick in a 176 or 167 for my shorter board.

 

You are true to your name MrOverkill :laugh: :laugh:

 

You're only 14? WTF are you eating?

 

Yeah, Unfortunately I didn't have the funds for some Malamutes, or ThirtyTwo Primes, but I am getting the Raiden Machines, and probably next season I'll sell my Rulers and pick up a pair of stiffer boots.

I think I'm going to stick with the 181, because I don't know how much I'm going to grow (One side of the family is weightlifters, the other 6'8 to 7' tall, I was predicted to be 6'8, but I think I'll settle somewhere around 6'3, 300# when I'm a senior (I'll be playing football/doing shotput through High School, so I will bulk up like mad). And I can always learn to deal with a harder turn initiation. The fact that the Pow-Stick rides shorter than its length (Shorter contact edge, higher sidecut radius) should allow me to pick up a nice higher maneuverability board later on.

Also, I'm not particularly fat either, I've been around 200 from my fatty days at 9 or 10, I was about 5'4 and 200, I've fluctuated within about 15 pounds in either direction until this Spring, when I started working out a little bit and hit 220.

 

"More space" doesn't necessarily mean wider more spacious runs. The mountains are bigger and the terrain is more varied, but it just becomes steeper and more challenging....and WAY more fun. You can stick to the easy groomers and they will probably be longer than what you have, and maybe wider depending on the run, but like you said, those runs start to become boring.

If you really want to have fun snowboarding you will want to progress and take on more challenging terrain or start trying tricks or things like that. That is what prevents snowboarding from getting boring. If I just stuck to cruising the easy blue runs I would get bored and quit snowboarding.

My concern for you is that if you get a huge board, progressing and taking on more challenging/fun runs will be difficult.

Definitely go with the 172 instead of the 181 if you really want a big board....although I think you still might be better off with something smaller, but it sounds like you really want a big board.

EDIT - didn't see your last post when I posted this. If you really think you are going to be a big guy, I understand the desire for a bigger board. There is one really big dude on this forum (i.e. 6'9ish and high 200s) so you should ask him.....I forget his name, but I'll post it back here once I remember. He rides boards in the mid 160s I think.

 

I will say that there is no way I'm going to do tricks. As I've stated, I've had two brain injuries in the past, so I'm not to keen on anything past just riding. When I ride however, I love to carve and go fast, but due to my fear, I have to have a rock solid ride to bomb anything. That's my logic behind the bigger board.

Also, just checking the specs, Venture doesn't reccomend the 172 for anyone over 205#. I'll probably be hitting 250 sometime this year.

Looking at the Pow Stick, I think it will be a good twist to get when I have more money (i.e. for next season or the season after) as it has a hybrid rocker (rockered nose, cambered rest of the board) and shorter running length than the Storm.

I'm really sorry if it came across as me being a hardheaded asshole here. I heard everything everyone is saying, it's just that because of my fear, I'm willing to give up a little maneuverability for some stability (I have the brute muscle to swing the tail into a skid very quickly if I ever needed to stop quickly)

 

So I emailed Venture today, and the first thing I want to say is that I was surprised and pleased by how fast they replied. Without further ado, here is my conversation:

MrOverkill: Hey, I was just wondering if you guys could help me out. I am looking to buy one of your Storm models (not splitty) and was wondering if you could help me with sizing. I ride a size 12-13 boot with a low angle rear binding, so the 27cm waist is pretty much a must as far as I'm concerned. The question comes to my riding style. I ride a lot of groomers for the time being, but I'm going to be moving to a different location which will open up a lot of powder/fun longer runs. I'm about 6' tall, 225 pounds, probably going to grow to about 6'3 and between 250 and 300. Is the 181 right for me? I don't do any park, and since I've had two concussions, I like a more stable ride as it gives me a sense of safety.

Thanks in advance


Venture Snowboards: Thanks for your email and your interest in Venture. You're on target with the waist width, but length is a really tricky thing to make a recommendation on since so much of it comes down to personal preference. You would be within the recommended range for either the 171 or 181. I would suggest you go shorter if you think you will be riding mellow terrain or a lot of tight spots like trees (shorter = greater maneuverability) or if you like a little bit more flex (as our boards get longer they also get stiffer). You might go longer if you think you'll be riding mostly open steeps, or like a stiffer deck. You might also go longer if you think you are looking to get something you can grow into over time. The quadratic sidecuts make our boards super stable so I wouldn't necessarily think you should size up just for stability's sake. You might also think about what length board you are riding now and use that to help you gauge. If the 181 is a really big jump in size from what you're riding now (5 cm or more) it will be a big adjustment, so you might consider the shorter of the two. Hope that helps!

Think snow

MOK: Thanks for your help. I think I'm going to go for the 181 for a stiffer deck/stability as I plan on getting a Prior Pow Stick in a 167/176 in a year or two. Just so you know, I picked the Pow Stick because it's a bit softer, a bit shorter, but still has the build to float in powder (no offense to Venture, but I just didn't see anything that fit in your lineup, but I'll definitely check before I buy).

Thanks again for your quick response, it's always good to have a company that's willing to help out their customers.

VS: Glad I could help Sam. FYI, I consider the Storm to be a great design for deep snow - the taper, rocker and softer/pointier nose really help keep it on top of the pow. However it can still handle chop and crud really well too. I ride it both solid and split in all kinds of conditions and love it.

think snow,


And...if you like the swallow tail shape of the pow stick stay tuned. We are probably going to have a late season release that you will like.

(This part has me on edge... but I don't want to wait until mid season, so I'll give them a season or two to perfect design)

MOK: Man, if you guys are coming out with a swallowtail, I might have to get that. I love the fact that you guys give your boards a 2 year warranty, and the fact that you guys are right in the heart of snowboarding, so you guys actually know what's up with your boards.

You guys are great. My preorder for a 181 Storm will be in shortly.


Thanks so much for all you guys' help. Just thought I'd give you my final decision.

 

I would definitely suggest a smaller board. I would go in the 160s. Venture makes great boards but i assume they are more geared towards powder. You might want something a little more all around. Look into the never summer heritage it would suit you well imo.

 

Thank you for your input. I've decided on the 181 due to Venture's advice. They make and ride their boards, so I assume they know best how they react.

 

Why ask for advice if you made your mind up already. I ride all mountain/freeride and think your crazy to think a 181 is a good length. Im 6' 290. I ride a 159w and thats down from the 164w I also have. You don't have the powder out there to justify that size of a board. If you grow to 6'9" then you will be ok when that happens. Riding crap rental boards can't give you the real feel of a board. However, its your money.....

Now that I live up in Vail full time I will likely get a 168w for powder days.....

 

Im a 13 boot.....

 

lol why ask for advice when you already made your mind up. not 1 person has said that you should get it. most of these ppl know what they are talking about. you are making a mistake. most would now say but do what you want cause they are polite. its to big. don't buy the 181. but we all know your going to buy it anyway.

 

I hadn't made my mind before this thread, I based my decision off of what Venture has said to me. My logic is that they build and ride their boards, so they will have the best idea of what's going to fit me.

Again, I don't mean to offend anyone with my choice, I hear you guys, and understand your logic. However, with the advice Venture has given me, I am going to go with a 181.

 

Wow.. 181cm for your size is ridiculous! That's like to the top of your head! I know guys who are much bigger than you riding mid 160's. Why not buy a board to get you started atm, and buy a bigger board down the road if you actually get to the size that would require a 181??

 

a 9'-11' soft longboard for a new surfer is pretty common, regardless of body size. Buoyancy forces make a surfboard capize very quickly once past the balance threshhold. A long board helps with this when you are learning. Plus, when learning you are usually on small, slow waves (1-3' swells) and you basically have to have a longboard to catch a swell that small at all. Anyone who rides a 6'-5'6" shortboard is at least an advanced to pro rider who is cutting very gnarly slashes on tight, fast and probably big barrels.

I wouldn't use the fact you rode a longboard to mean you need a 181. Anything that long is probably an alpine racing deck that is super thin and ridden with a direcitonal stance. Go with a 165+ directional that has a stiffer flex pattern and damping for the riding you want to do.

 

I'm 6' 6", 250lbs and ride a 169W (size 15 feet). It's just about the right length for me. 181 is serious overkill man.

 

just to give you more comparison...im 6 foot, 205-220#, sz 12 boot, and ride a 156 W and have no problems whatsoever....cant even imagine riding a board that is 25 cm BIGGER

 

Venture says, and I quote here, "You would be within the recommended range for either the 171 or 181" Ok, I'm good with either a 171 or 181, let's see what they have to say about both:

"I would suggest you go shorter if you think you will be riding mellow terrain or a lot of tight spots like trees (shorter = greater maneuverability) or if you like a little bit more flex (as our boards get longer they also get stiffer)." Ok, When I'm out here for this one season, this could be a good decision.

"You might go longer if you think you'll be riding mostly open steeps, or like a stiffer deck. You might also go longer if you think you are looking to get something you can grow into over time." Ok, this might be the better choice, as everything after this year will be steeps/powder bowls. Keeping in mind that I'm already out of their recommended weight range for the 181 and only looking to gain.

I hope that explains my reasoning. I don't mean to discredit you guys' helping me, but between the specs they write, the response they give me, and my own personal feelings (mainly related to my head injuries, not just I WANT A 181) I've made a decision. Thank you all for your help, I don't mean to seem like a hardheaded ass, but from the information presented to me, this is my decision.

 

LOL these are from your posts.

post 1"Just want to get your thoughts. I'm pretty convinced on the Storm, and the 27 cm Waist (I ride a low angle rear binding and size 12 boots)."
post 2 "I'm pretty set on the 172 or 181 Storm"
Post 4 "I think I'm going to stick with the 181,"
lol get whatever board you want no one acutally cares we don't have to ride it, but at what point were you open to suggestion?

 

Not to mention the guys @ venture are up in silverton with probably some of the most consistent deep powder in the usa other than alaska with steep and difficult terrain. Your 14 with experience on Shit snow and Shit hills with even shittier rental gear.... your ahs and head injuries are obviously swaying your decisions. Hope it looks good on your wall....

 

Geez, the kid's 14. Take it easy people!

OP, I don't know what that particular board is, but all else being equal, the longer board will cut through chopped up snow / crud better and won't throw you around. It is also going to be more stable at speed, like you say. It will also be faster, much faster, and will need more room to run full bore without checking your speed. The shorter board, on the other hand, will be more manueverable. I've been a freerider/freecarver as well for 20 years, though I ride alpine boards, with a 182 being my go-to board. It's ideal for 90% of the riding I do, and I make it work for the other 10. A 181 may be ideal for most of what / how you like to ride as well. Just realize that it will also require more aggressiveness to make it turn tight in traffic or close terrain, bumps, etc., that you'll be hauling butt when you're carving, and the thing will probably feel lethargic at slower speeds and/or on green runs. Just some things to consider for your age or if you're worried about injury. If you have to have the 181, go for it, ride it hard and enjoy. But if you have reservations about riding something quite so full-on, you may reconsider the 171. Both lengths are considered "long" by current trends, not that you should put much stock in that. Be realistic about how you ride, your ability, and what you want to do, especially if mom and pop are footin' the bill. Take it from there and choose your stick. And if you decide to stick with the 181, then welcome to the world of long boards.

 

Geez, the kid's 14. Take it easy people!

Take it easy? We are trying to prevent him from buying the wrong board and wasting his money which he has already said is limited.

When giving your input, did you realize that he is 14 and a beginner snowboarder (his own words, not mine)? He is afraid of head injuries because he caught an edge and hit his head. IMO, a long stiff board is not the best for a beginner that is worried about catching edges. That 181 storm is going to be a tough board to ride for a beginner.

Long and stiff is stable if you know how to use it. If not, it just makes snowboarding harder.

 

181 is absurdly huge. I'd love to hop on that thing in a big, open bowl of bottomless pow, but that's about the only thing that board is good for IMO.

 

Well, now that I actually got a chance to ride the board, I figure I might as well let you guys know how it turned out.

Yes, in difference with all of your advice I bought a 181. I know, what a douche, right?:laugh:

I went to SLC for a snowboarding trip from 3/17 until 3/24. Overnight the first day the canyons got about 2' of snow. It was amazing. First day was at Snowbird, it honestly sucked. First day back on a board in over a year, conditions I'd never ridden before, and a board that was significantly different from anything I'd ridden before. Snowbird was thoroughly tracked out and riding the the crud while getting used to such a radical setup is just brutal.

Second day showed about 8" of new snow overnight as I recall. This would be the last for the rest of the trip. We went to Brighton. This day was the best day of the trip. 2' of powder on the harder runs, not nearly as tracked out as Snowbird had been, and I was getting used to the board. It was starting to get to be a ton of fun in the deep stuff. The big soft nose and hard tail made it incredibly easy to get on plane and turn in powder.

Third day was back to Snowbird, lots of fun again, even though conditions were getting worse. No new snow, but it had stayed cold, so hiking to Peruvian still yielded about 2-3' of nice powder. Another great day.

From the fourth day on it got bad. The weather got warmer and then froze overnight. It was not completely iced over, but it was not nearly as fun as the powder days. The board held well to the slopes on this mashed potatoes day. I believe we were still at snowbird.

Fifth day was at Solitude, I had tweaked my ankle on day four, and the slopes were icy as hell at Solitude, ended up washing out on my edges all morning, sliding down the hill on my ass.:laugh: By mid-day the sun had come out and softened up the snow a good bit and I was able to lay deep trenches. Unfortunately, the only video I have is of me doing a nice laid-over carve, hitting a rut, sketching out and rolling head over ass backwards. Now I know how much you guys would love to see that, but I'm not ready for that level of internet infamy.

Sixth day was back at Snowbird, snow was a lot softer, slush is no fun, but I had a blast with my buddies. Board was a little hard to handle going edge to edge, but length wise it was stable as all get out. I really enjoyed the speed of the board and the stability. Edge holding was quite nice, and durability was very good. All that being said, none of those combined equal how much fun it was in the powder.

Thank you all for your advice, and if I buy another board it will be shorter for the non-powder days, however I had a ton of fun on this board and do not regret the purchase one bit.


As to anyone reading this thread, keep in mind I'm a fatass (6' #250) if you're much smaller you will probably not have as much fun as I did.

Take care friends.:thumbsup: