Snowboard sizing and board help

Posted: 23 January 2012 09:34 AM

Hey guys,

Im in the market for a new snowboard. I’m currently riding a 2008 Burton Clash 155 with Burton Custom Bindings. It’s fine and all, but im looking to upgrade and get a better board. I have been looking for something used because its always cheaper and saving money is never a bad thing, haha. I mostly ride groomers and hit all the natural stuff, but i like to get in the park once and a while and see what i can learn and stomp out during the day.

I have looked at the 2009 Burton Uninc 161 with the Uninc Burton est. bindings. I’ve heard good things about it being a transworld good wood winner back in 09. The guy wants $280 for the set up. I have also looked at the 2011 DC Pro Lauri 156, another good wood winner. This guy wanted $175 for the board only. There is also a 09 Dinosaurs will die board that i have looked at and its size 157

My height is 6-6’1 and i weight about 170-180 pounds. but my boot size is the issue and i dont want a board that i will constantly be getting toe and heel drag on. I wear Thirty Two Timba’s in size 13. I think that i sit right on the boarder between beginner and intermediate.

I know that i have to get L/XL bindings for sure, but do you think that i will have troubles with these boards for toe/heel drag? None of the boards are “Wide” boards and i don’t believe my Clash is either. I have never got drag from it before. I am more likely to catch an edge on it than my heel or toe.

Just wondering what you think would be the best board/deal for me would be and if you think that i would have any issues of over-hang with my boots.

Thanks!
-brett

Posted: 23 January 2012 02:50 PM

Hi Brett

You definitely need a wide board - you may not have felt toe or heel drag so far, but as you progress your riding and start to lean the board more on edge, you’re going to start noticing the problem.
To help, wide is a waist width of at least 260mm. If you’re looking at second hand boards it would always be worth digging out the original specs of the board to see what the measurements were before you buy.
Also, due to your height and weight, I would imagine you need to be looking at 160cm length or up. The most important thing is to stay within the upper weight limitations of the board though. If you’re significantly over, you could risk damaging the core when you press the board - another reason to check the original specs.

I have an ‘09 Burton catalogue, and the Uninc 161’s waist is 252mm. I think the other two boards might be a bit small for you.
If you’re using eBay, stick in ‘men’s snowboard wide’ into the search, and you still get loads of results. This will narrow the field for you.

Other specs you may want to look for are a sintered base (faster than extruded, better for progression), and double check the profile of the board - is it camber, rocker, or dual camber you want?

Posted: 23 January 2012 06:33 PM

As was said, your board is way too small for you in pretty much every way possible.  If you haven’t experienced toe drag yet it’s most likely because you aren’t digging your edges in on steep enough runs yet.  If you ever plan to, you need to get a board that fits.  Size 13 means you need a wide board.  Depending on what you want to do with it, you’ll want to look at 157-164 for lengths.

I’d seriously consider getting something with a rocker or hybrid rocker shape if you can find a good deal.  I’m an intermediate and switching to the new tech/profiles has progressed my snowboarding by 3 years in two days.  I’ve never felt so confident on a snowboard, or more excited to go out again.  Specifically, since they’re virtually catch free, you can bomb it down the mountain without being terrified of catching that edge and ending your day on a seriously bad note.