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Small girl big mountain board recommendations please!

5.7K views 21 replies 14 participants last post by  starlight56  
#1 ·
Hi lovely folks, I am struggling to find a board and would greatly appreciate any leads.

I’m an ‘advanced/expert’ level rider. I am mostly on big mountain / free ride terrain, and my favorite types of features are deep moguls, tight trees, narrow chutes, and other hairy / technical terrain. I value responsiveness and stability most in a board, and am most apprehensive when it comes to icy terrain (so I suppose I would really appreciate killer edge hold as well).

I’m 5’1” and 105lbs, currently riding a 140cm jones twin sister. I have about 150days on it. I love this board, but am starting to find it noodly at high speeds, and the edge hold on steep icy terrain a little lacking. It also feels a little wobbly on landings for taller drops, and I get bucked around on chattery terrain. One thing I love about this board is the tight turn radius and lightning fast edge to edge. I feel so at ease on this board flowing fast through steep moguls / trees.

I don’t personally know much about the snowboard world / snowboarders who have the same riding preferences as me (was raised by a pack of skiers) so really eager to learn what’s out there! Thank you for reading.
 
#2 ·
Don't be afraid to upsize a little bit. I ride anything from a 150 to a 165 depending on what it's for. If you have the strength and skill a bigger and more directional board will give you what you're looking for.

Jones Dream Weaver, Lib Dynamiss, Nidecker Venus, Jones Stratos

The Dreamweaver is the directional counterpart to your Twin Sister. Should feel very similar but a stiffer tail and more nose. Also a size up which will add stability and edgehold.
The Dynamiss is more traditional camber than what you have, similar to the Dreamweaver but with a little bit more power on edge, maybe a little less floaty in deep snow without the rocker in the tips.
The Venus will be similar to what you have, slightly more directional, but a size up for more edgehold and stability.
The Stratos is the biggest change. Moving to a full directional, tapered shape with a good bit more stiffness and power out of the tail. More float in deep snow, more power on edge, more stability, but less "comfortable" switch. If you're building a quiver this might be where I would push you.
 
#7 ·
This is very helpful, thank you for the detailed response! I appreciate the encouragement to size up, it’s something I’ve been considering and this comment gave me the push I needed. After looking through these options, I seems the stratos is the closest profile match for my riding preferences. I’m surprised that the turn radius is so small (6.1 for 143 and 6.3 for 146 compared to 6.6 for the twin sister in 140). I’m a little stumped on sizing given the specs. I read it rides short - if I may press you further - would you recommend the 143 or 146 to demo? Thanks again.
 
#3 ·
I agree don't be afraid of sizing up to meet your needs.

But, big but, given your terrain preferences and wanting responsiveness and stability, be mindful of board width. At 5'1" 105lbs I can't imagine you've got huge feet to leverage a board with, and the 238 waist and 6.6 sidecut are probably big aspects of what you like about your twin sister. As you go longer, those numbers will sneak up. What's your boot size?

I'd add Capita Equalizer 146 and Nitro Karma 144 to the above list.
 
#4 ·
Sound like you need a burlier freeride board as a complement to your current board. I highly recommend Stranda Descender. The 148 could be a good fit - it will be longer and stiffer, and a bit wider waist but not wider over all so it should still be quick edge to edge.
 
#10 ·
Thanks for your comment, it’s very grounding! That’s a good question - I didn’t give it too much thought before posting. I suppose asking comes from a combination of not feeling I know the snowboard landscape very well, being a big fan of crowdsourcing (especially from really passionate and knowledgeable gear heads), and wanting to hide behind a wall of anonymity since I’m often undersold in person and people make assumptions about my skill level from my appearance. I also have only ever owned two snowboards, since searches for upgrades in the past ended early because I thought I was limited in options to boards <142cm.
 
#12 · (Edited)
I know nothing about big mountain back country but isn’t that what the origin of Jones flagship was ? The one board he takes everywhere with him , especially unfamiliar big mountain terrain.
And it’s a brand you are already familiar with. Even has the ultra version if you want stiffer boards

I’m just vomiting marketing spiel , lol
 
#13 ·
Was also thinking women's flagship. I find the Stratos a bit too soft.
I also own a Rossignol After hours, love that board too. Softer nose, but stiffer under foot. Very playfull.
Some other options: Lib tech Dynamiss. Women's version of the Jamie Lynn. I have tried the smallest TRS as well, and loved that too. Super stable, but the 154 would be too big for you. Not sure if there is a women's version of it.
 
#14 ·
Where are you riding? How important is deep pow performance? From your description I have a hard time thinking if a brand that is catering to advanced women better than Jones. My thoughts were the Airheart or the Flagship. The airheart is full camber and crushes variable terrain, excellent in steep, good edge hold, etc. etc. but it’s not the best in deep pow. The flagship has a similar feel but with the rocker and taper it’s better in deep pow and a fair bit less aggressive. Still carves well and handles steeps and firm snow well.
 
#19 ·
Hi lovely folks, I am struggling to find a board and would greatly appreciate any leads.

I’m an ‘advanced/expert’ level rider. I am mostly on big mountain / free ride terrain, and my favorite types of features are deep moguls, tight trees, narrow chutes, and other hairy / technical terrain. I value responsiveness and stability most in a board, and am most apprehensive when it comes to icy terrain (so I suppose I would really appreciate killer edge hold as well).

I’m 5’1” and 105lbs, currently riding a 140cm jones twin sister. I have about 150days on it. I love this board, but am starting to find it noodly at high speeds, and the edge hold on steep icy terrain a little lacking. It also feels a little wobbly on landings for taller drops, and I get bucked around on chattery terrain. One thing I love about this board is the tight turn radius and lightning fast edge to edge. I feel so at ease on this board flowing fast through steep moguls / trees.

I don’t personally know much about the snowboard world / snowboarders who have the same riding preferences as me (was raised by a pack of skiers) so really eager to learn what’s out there! Thank you for reading.
Look at the Ride Deep Fake 144 & 148.
 
#20 ·
I'm 5'3, 130lbs and ride a 148 flagship. I absolutely love the board and it just wants to give you speed which I absolutely love. That being said, I have had to ride it much more aggressively than my Gnu b-pro and Burton feelgood. The only slight issue I have with the board is going down something steep and fast turning is much harder and will not be as responsive to me, but it is a rocker and a camber would potentially solve that.

My other boards were a 152 and 149 so I have always rode slightly larger for my size boards. I'd recommend a flagship to add at least some point in your life! It's the best board i've tried yet.
 
#21 ·
I'm 5'3, 130lbs and ride a 148 flagship. I absolutely love the board and it just wants to give you speed which I absolutely love. The only slight issue I have with the board is going down something steep and fast turning is much harder...
Do you think the turning challenge may be a result of the large-ish side cut?