I am trying to decide on a board for all mountain riding.  I have been 3 times: 2x to steamboat and just spent 5 days at Jackson hole.  I am able to do the blues well and can get down the blacks with trouble on the bumps.  I am 5’8” 145 #  and wear size 8 boots (k2 boa).  The boards I am considering are the ride machete, amplid the fenom, ride dh2.  I have demoed the Burton Hero but felt a little unstable when going faster.  Any thoughts about which board for my level (intermediate) or any other suggestions.  Also any thoughts on bindings ?  any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Hey rgparham,
it would be great if you could provide us some more information like what type of rider you are and what terrain you plan of riding most often.
Want to cruise the piste or charge hard, laying down the sickest carves?
Want to jib around the park, jump of natural transition in the deepest pow or just ride the groomers?

Also, do you have any special wishes e.g your new board HAS TO BE rockered or at least a hybrid?

As a general intermediate deck for progressing fast, the Artec Novus sure would be a good choice. It’s pure camber, though.
You might also want to have a look at the Völkl Cashew with rockered profile.

Cheers

thanks for responding.  Currently ride mostly groomed runs but when in Jackson hole had a blast in powder.  I like to do small jumps and boxes/rails,  I wouldn’t mind doing some back country.  I ride goffy footed.  I think i would like a little camber based on my experience on the Burton Hero but it may be just a little much as at higher speeds felt unstable.  Hopefully, this will help you help me find a good board!  Also any recommendations on Bindings?

Thanks

Hello again, thank you for your reply.

Summarizing your needs I would say the YES YES would be a really good choice for you.
It’s a rocker hybrid which floats really well in the pow, holds it’s edge really well at the groomers and is a killer in the park.
Check the reviews and comments on it here on the site and tell me what you think about it.

The Amplid Phenom was a hit at the tests, as Rich told me. People who rode it were instant fans of the board; didn’t manage to ride it yet, but I got an other Amplid myself.

The Ride Machete has won several prices this season and I’m sure this happened for a reason. Unfortunately we do not have any review or other informations about it on our site (don’t ask, don’t know it myself..) but I am sure you will find lots of tests and reviews on the internet about this particular board.

Concerning bindings: Personally I really like Union bindings, I ride some SuperPros myself. Rich fell in love with some Drake Czars this season and Tom is riding some Salomons, I think.
Bindings are a thing of personal taste- depends on whether you like the highback soft or stiff, whether you want a regular strapped binding or some fast entry (e.g. Flow) or hybrid model like Apo Expresso, K2 Cinch,...

Still, as an advice I would say go have a look at the Union Force and the Raiden Blackhawk. Both decent bindings!
Other than that, just go visit a local shop near you and go through their bindings. Have a look at what you like and what you don’t like.
For some final advice we would be glad to be your source of information! =)

thanks i will review the yes yes.
really don’t have a shop here but hopefully will get out 1 more time this spring and can try the different bindings too.

once again thank you

I’m going to play devils advocate here.

You could always look at the Lib Tech Travis Rice. Users the other form of reverse camber rocker hybrid. Travis himself resides in Jackson so you can be sure it’s been built with Jackson terrain in mind. It’s also quite easy to ride considering it’s an advanced board… and it’s got magnetraction edges for grip on icy days.

Thanks again for the information.  I will also look up the travis rice board.  I do think that the variations of rocker camber hybrid will be a matter of personal preference, but I suspect either would work well for an intermediate boarder. 

You have an awesome site and I appreciate the input