Nitro Blacklight setup

Posted: 22 August 2009 11:56 PM

Hi there guys,

I was just browsing through your blacklight ‘10 review and read your article about the new raiden bindings. As they are written really well I decided to just take the chance and ask a question here:

Last season I was looking for a new setup and after weeks of comparing, calculating and cursing, I decided to get a Blacklight- it was just too late by then and I didn’t get a blacklight for a reduced price anymore: sold out.

This year I wanna be faster so I start making my thoughts earlier: I still want a Blacklight so this isn’t the question this time. Boots: I’d like to get myself some Nitro Team TLS as I only heard good things about them. Binding: I do not have a clue. Raiden Blackhawk always seemed to be a good choice to me but does it really fit the blacklight? Are there any alternatives?

I think I am jumping for around 20% of the time I’m on track, 80% is shredding, carving,.. as I am mostly accompanied by skiers.

Oh and: I am 180cm/70inch tall, 154lbs ; 160 or 163 length of the blacklight? What would fit me better?

Thank you very much for your answers in advance, I am looking forward to a excited discussion here =)
regards~

Posted: 23 August 2009 11:48 AM

Hi Shibbz,

Thanks for checking the site out! Yeah the Blacklight is looking very nice this year and I’ve heard nothing but good things about it. Our tester Kev said it was one of the most powerful and responsive boards he rode at the test and the general concensus was that it’s a great ride for experienced snowboarders. Length wise your stats are about the same as mine, although you’re a little bit lighter, for a directional twin I’d probably go for a 157, but as most of your time seems to be spent cruising around with skier mates I think sizing up a little is a good idea, it’ll give you a bit more stability when your carving at high speed and a bit more versatility in deep snow and chop. So I’d go for the 160, I think the 163 will probably be a bit too much of a handfull.

With regards to bindings, the Blackhawks are looking so nice this year and they’ll look so dope on the Blacklight. Other bindings that look good for next season are the Union Force SL and the Union Force, the Ride EX and if you want speed entry and exit you could look at the K2 Auto Ever… as ever Burton make some great bindings that’ll no doubt be worth a look but I’ve not seen 2010’s range. So yeah to make life difficult there are plenty of options but I think the Blackhawks are looking fresh this year. I’d pop into your local shop and have a look at them, if your boots fit and the ratchets look sturdy and dont rattle I think you could be on to a winner.

Hope that helps.

rich

Posted: 23 August 2009 05:22 PM

Hello!

Glad to hear the Blacklight ‘10 is at least as good as the Blacklight ‘09 and I seem not to make anything wrong with this baby =)
Concerning the length I think I will go with a 160 then but as you said I do not have to recoil when I can only get a 157.

Now that you confirmed my thought with the Blackhawk I will give it a first shot this time. I tested the K2 Auto with an old Burton Custom last season but it kind of failed on me. I did not really like it~
I informed myself really well about the Burton Custom because it looked like a very good binding to me as well but in the end it was the steep highback I read much about that kept me from going with it. Anyway, I might keep this binding in mind, too.
Nevertheless I will check out the other bindings you told me about, as well. Maybe one of these is the perfect match for me.. hehe.

Is there maybe anything you can say about the Nitro Team TLS? I know boots are very subjective things but maybe you got some facts for me I did not stumble upon elsewhere yet!

Thanks for your reply, regards

edit: mhm I think I might just throw one more question in here, even it is maybe not the perfect topic: Any alternatives to the blacklight itself? Maybe something less ‘aggressive” as it says in the review? I know there are probably loads of alternatives but as I am living in a region where there is not a single ‘pro snowboard shop’ where you can trust the vendors.. I have to mainly use the internet :x

Posted: 23 August 2009 06:19 PM

I’m afraid boots aren’t my forte… Had maybe 4-5 pairs over the years from Northwave to 32, but started riding Vans a couple of years ago and haven’t looked back. In my experience most boot manufacturers stick to a certain foot shape through the range. Vans fit my feet really well so I’ve retired my BFBs this season and bought the Andreas Wiigs. Best option is to get to your local shop and try on a range of different boots from different brands, snug fit with no heel lift and you can’t go wrong.

Posted: 23 August 2009 06:21 PM

With regards to the alternative to the Blacklight are you looking for a mid-wide deck? What’s your boot size?

Posted: 23 August 2009 06:27 PM

Not really- I do have 43 EUR / 9,5 US rather a bit smaller. So I do not think I would need a mid-wide or even wide.

P.S.: is it possible that you mixed up wide and mid-wide in your “board selecta!” Wide section?

Posted: 23 August 2009 08:12 PM

I think the board selecta works ok.. the Blacklight waist is mid wide so it’s about 25.8 cm wide.

If you’re looking at all terrain rides you might want to look at the Lib Tech Travis Rice, the Atomic Alibi and the K2 Turbo Dream, they’re all nice rides for advanced riders but you can ride them in a cruisy way too, they’re also a little bit more directional. The Turbo Dream got a rocker profile too which gives a little bit extra float in powder.