Help for intermediate free rider time traveler from 2001

Posted: 13 December 2011 08:57 AM

I bought my last board, boots etc in 2001. No typo. It’s a snow jam :) I usually only ride one trip up a year and I just woke up to the fact my stuff is way, way, way out of date. I’m never looking to go in the park, trails only. I ride the intermediate slopes. Lots of groom trails, powder if im lucky. I don’t switch directions.  Just want something that will give me excellent stability and control, fun with fewer falls. I’m 5 foot 9 and 165. I don’t need a 2012 board, last year model ok too if they’re avail online. I did the board selecta and thought about the ride manic but also felt a bit confused by the others, all the camber vs. Not, directional vs directional twin, amount of stiffness etc.

I guess the good news is I assume anything I get will be a step up, but really want to get something I’ll love. Any specific advice appreciated. Thanks and great site

Posted: 13 December 2011 09:31 AM

Welcome to the future… did the Delorian run out of juice?

You’re in the fortunate position that the broadest range of boards on the market cater for your requirements and stats.

Before I start listing decks, what is your boot size?

Posted: 13 December 2011 09:46 AM

Ha thanks
9.5 boot (tho my old Airwalks are 10s and fit)
Bindings were Salomon sp3 which actually didn’t seem all that bad
And I guess that’s good there’s so mich broadness out there for my needs but that’s also probably why I’m a bit overwhelmed

Posted: 14 December 2011 07:18 AM

been reading around a bit more and now leaning toward the Ride Antic unless there’s a better option for me (the only downside to the description that i can see—and i know how wimpy this makes me sound but hell its the internet so i dont care—is that everybody says it’s really fast. but i guess as long as it gives me the amount of control reviewers say it does, i should be ok?)....

Posted: 14 December 2011 09:59 AM

Yeah you can’t really go wrong with the Antic, it’s directional enough to work in most snow conditions and the rocker shape it uses certainly helps too. THat does mean switch will feel different to riding regular but in all honesty who’s switch is good enough to notice anyway?

If you’ve got the money I’d upgrade the bindings too… you’ll find bindings have shed a quite a lot of weight over the past few years and the fit is far more anatomical than it used to be so your days riding will be much more comfortable.

Posted: 14 December 2011 09:09 PM

Purchased! thanks for your help. i’ll get some new bindings too. can’t wait to take this stuff out to the mountain