New board advice, already have boots & bindings

Posted: 24 January 2012 12:26 AM

Hi Guys,

Got a couple of weeks boarding coming up in march that i want to pick up my first board for. I’ve been boarding for 3 weeks in total so far plus a bunch of rec days at my local snowdome so would class myself as an improver who wants to get to intermediate. My other stats for sizing purposes are:

Weight: 200lbs (90kg ish)
Height: 5’ 10” (178cm)
Shoe: US: 11 (UK: 10)

So i think i probably need a wide or midwide board of around 160cm, does this sound right?

I picked up some boots and bindings from a private hire company who went under for very cheap ( < £100 total for essentially 1 week old equipment). These are Burton Custom EST bindings (large) and Burton Hail boots (size US: 11 UK: 10). Unfortunately i got there too late to pick up any steals on boards.

Am i right in thinking that the EST limits my choice to only Burton ICS boards? If so im probably leaning towards the process vrocker 159mw, the joystick 159w or the custom flying v 158w but i’m definitely open to suggestions, especially if there are other non burton boards im missing which can easily fit to the burton est system.

Cheers.

Posted: 24 January 2012 12:42 AM

I’d suggest the Flying V 158.  I rode it with Burton Cartels and Ride Libertine 10.5’s (US) and I’m 5’11”, 210 lbs.  I loved everything about it except the edge hold on ice.  But if you’re stuck with Burton and their “frostbite” edges, the flying V is the way to go as a beginner/intermediate.  It’s the biggest confidence builder I’ve ridden all season (again, except on NorthEast ice).  It’s a great do everything board, and as long as you’re not boarding on hard ice more than 50% of your seasons, I think you’d be very happy with it.

And yes you’re correct that EST bindings are proprietary to Burton, so only work on Burton boards.

Posted: 24 January 2012 10:17 AM

Agreed the Custom Flying V makes the most sense, but I think 158W is going to be way too small. Although I rode the standard width custom, I rode a 158 and I’m at least 40lbs lighter than you, it was a perfect match. I’d probably go for the 162W.