Any advice on new purchase welcome (Arbor A versus Arbor Wasteland ??)

Posted: 09 January 2012 07:54 AM

Hi all,
I need some advice (of course) :-)
My ski expert wife has mandated our family shall ski often from now on.

But I never skied much, I am an “old” boarder (started in 95, though it’s been off and on for many a year, slowly built up the skills), using rentals and other’s boards for the longest time. Never had my own board!!!! So…it’s time!

Intermediate ability, however, don’t do a lot of jumps, never been in a half pipe etc… but would like to get better riding down the mountain. 
Usually it’s icy groomers/slopes green to black.
Recently met “powder” (wow!)
and I would like to seek that out and do more.

The essentials:
Last few years I have been borrowing and using my nephew’s Arbor A frame 158, with size 10 Burton speed lace boots and burton bindings of some sort (double cinch straps), so I have got used to this medium to stiff board and how it holds an edge nicely and is really stable (though not overly “nimble” on icy slopes, but secure!!).

However, I noticed the Arbor Wasteland 157 (with their new “system”) was presented as more an all around board and thought that perhaps given that it would be a suitable choice for extending my skill boundaries, but still have an experience similar to the A frame (holds an edge on icy slopes, stable on fast long run outs). I do like Arbor’s eco efforts as well.

I will need some good quality boots and bindings.

Comments? Suggestions? on board selection? on boots and binding?

This is likely to be my first and last board, boot and binding purchase
and will last out my “career.”  :)

Anyway, hope people can offer some insightful and sage advice.
best regards