1. Why is the reference stance set back 2 cm from the center of the sidecut on a board that’s positioned as freestyle/all-mountain?

With no setback it would be a freestyle board only. The 2cm setback is there to give you a bit of float in powder and more stability with carving. 2cm is just enough before the board starts wanting to be directional. 3-4cm would be an all mountain board. 2cm is a compromise between true twin and an all mountain board. Taper of course would make it a more directional board, but there isn’t any on your Assassin Pro. (Maybe that is what’s really the issue?)

As for #2, I am going to defer it to someone else. My stance is pretty much +21/-3 all the time.
Not really doing much freestyle just freeride.
Someone else will have a way better answer.

 

Many thanks Chern > always amazed about the commitment of our community.

Indeed no taper > why do you think that might be the issue for me?

Re the setback and your comment > now I understand the reasoning better however I expected the 2 cm would not make such a difference when riding switch compared to my Santoku but it does (could be my ability as well off course).

So the best solution for me I think:
1) When riding indoor and ~switch 50% of the time > I'm going to go for a centered stance (over the side cut).
2) When in the mountains I go for the recommended 2 cm setback.

Another question: the reference width is 57cm, I ride 63cm (now centered over the side cut). Would you recommend going back to 57cm in the mountains or would 63cm (or 59) also work when setting the stance back?

 

Indeed no taper > why do you think that might be the issue for me?

sorry, just re read my post.
too much multitasking
I meant to say.
Taper of course would make it a more directional board, but there isn’t any on your Assassin Pro and it’s a wide board. (Maybe that is what’s really the issue?)

 

Play with reference stance, and then maybe binding angles if you're not comfortable. If still unhappy, sell it and demo until you find what makes you happy.

1. Directional twin is typically the most versatile: Better performance when ripping groomers, without giving up too much riding switch- bonus can be set back for pow. I found the assassin pro (older model) really good carving, riding/popping switch, and spinning when I tested it out last year.

2. Stance angles/width are personal preference/riding style. Bring a pocket tool and commit a morning to dial it in every 2 laps or so. On deep days, I set bindings back as far as possible within limits of my preferred stance width to keep the nose up. These days, I just grab my pow board . Otherwise, just set it and forget it

Could be an issue with wide board for your feet size? I rode a 162 with 29 mondo boots, so can only imagine that the torsional stiffness would be exaggerated for you (smaller foot and wider board compared to my experience).

It's a sweet board, but you could always cut bait and demo something new this coming season. Days on snow are too good to waste on riding something that's just not your jam.

 

They cant tell you what stance angles you should use, thats up to you and your riding. There are plenty of great resources online about stance angles. If you dont like the 2 cm setback then move your bindings 2 cm forward. Definitely just bring a screwdriver and try stuff. Its not clear exactly what your concern is with the board but i dont know if a few degrees or stance position change is going to be your solution.

 

21/-9 is a pretty big spread. I would try 18/-6 next time.

I also don't think ref is 2cm back on that board but do not own/ride one.

 

Good catch on more extreme current angles, no way would my knees be okay with that 😳

 

I ride all my twins (including true twins) +15/-6 with a 2cm setback at a 22.5" width, which is mildly narrow for my height (6'3"). Usually this means one set of holes back from reference on both the front and back.

2cm back on twins feels better for everything. You don't lose any ability to ride switch or do freestyle things, you get a slightly stiffer tail for carving hard, and you get a bit of extra float with your weight slightly back.

21 degrees in front is a bit extreme for a duck stance.