2013 Never Summer SL: Which size for me?

Posted: 06 August 2012 01:25 AM

Hello,

I have decided on the new Never Summer SL, but I am struggling as to which size board I should get? I am a lower tier Intermediate skill snowboarder. I am 5’10”, a size 9.5 boot, and around 190 pounds. I basically only do groomed pistes and the park (fairly often), but only for small to medium sized jumps…I never really hit boxes, pipes, etc.

I am in Pennsylvania and only board in the northeast which means nice powder is pretty rare. I cannot decide between the 158 and the 161. I would really appreciate any advice from someone knowledgable with NS boards, such as Rich Ewbank. Thanks for any help.

Posted: 06 August 2012 01:29 PM

Hi Oldboard,

First off, I’d say that if you are riding a bit of park and groomers and not taking your board into the backcountry then I would probably go for the Proto CT or new for this coming season the Cobra which is like the Proto CT but a little bit more powerful and a touch more directional which makes it even more fun charging and carving up groomers.

As far as sizes go… the 157 or 160 Proto CT or a 159 Cobra would be perfect. If you’re set on the SL then I guess for your weight the 161 would be a better fit, but at that length it won’t be a huge amount of fun in the park if you’re 5’10”.

Posted: 06 August 2012 03:13 PM

I was also looking at the Cobra, but then wondered, given my skill level, if it would be an easy (forgiving) enough ride on ice, etc on the groomers when compared to the SL? I rarely ride switch which I also took into account, but I dunno.

Also, I see the Cobra is a 158 unless I go with the wider Cobra X, which does come in 159? My boot is a 9.5 which I thought may be best suited for a regular width. Next questions is, if I do go with the regular width Cobra, given my stats, etc…..Would you go with a 158 or 161 on that board?

Posted: 08 August 2012 07:14 AM

THere’s not an awful lot of difference nbetween the stiffness of the Cobra and the SL… but I definitely preferred the Cobra because it was rad. Also I’m pretty sure I rode a 159… not that 1cm is going to make a huge difference. The size choice is up to you. NS boards have plenty of effective edge for their length, we did a comparison for the Proto Ct and the 154 had about the same effective edge as a Burton Custom 158, so you’ll get the grip. If you want a softer jibbier board then the 58 (or 59 whatever it is) will be fine, if you want a more aggresive charging board then the 61 Cobra eill be a dream machine and at 190lbs you’ll have nor problem working it. Alternatively go for the Proto CT in the 60 which has a slightly softer flex.