Female boarder switching from flat camber to hybrid?

Posted: 16 February 2012 10:25 PM

I recently bought a Burton Feelgood Flying V 2012 (149) and have yet to take it on the mountain.

I’ve been riding for 13 years on a Division 23 (148) board from 1998 (translation: flat, stiff board). I barely hit the parks (maybe did 1-2 jumps when I was younger and then didnt again) and really just leisurely (sometimes speedily) stick to the typical mountain trails. I’m also located in the northeast in Massachusetts (aka. icy patches everywhere on hard groomers).

The way I’ve been riding for the past decade is conservatively going around the icy patches because my 1998 board throws me on my butt whenever I try to carve on it, and I’ve learned to carve almost with the back foot entirely. or on the full edge aka brakes for a while now, unless I’m speeding. I’ve gotten very used to almost no flex, no pop, all stiffness and maneuvering with a rough float (ive waxed my board at least three times… sigh)

Nonetheless, it was time to enter the world of technology.

As the new Burton Feelgood Flying V 2012 is a hybrid camber, should I expect to re-learn everything all over again as soon as I hit the slopes? Will I have a hard time grabbing an edge on ice? Or will I be able to perform better based on my past, forced riding style?

I know I’m psyching myself out before I actually hit the mountain this weekend with it, but I figured I would get pointers so that I will enjoy myself on the board and not my tush.

Feedback?

Posted: 17 February 2012 10:27 AM

Wow disivion 23! that’s relic of a by-gone-era! It doesn’t sound like it’s done much good to your technique!

You’ll hear lots of people slating Burton’s flying V for not offering enough grip on hardpack and ice… I didn’t exterience any problems with grip so that’s my stance on it. Needless to say there’s mixed reviews.

As far as the rest of the boarding goes, you’ll find your new stick a breath of fresh air. Going from an old cambered log to a light and playful hybrid camber board made almost a decade and a half later is going to be an enlightening experience!

Posted: 17 February 2012 04:55 PM

Gosh, did I show my age?  :red:

Thanks for the feedback, that does help my anxiety about getting on a new board from this century and making myself like it!

Of course, any other riders with more feedback on how their transition from old flat camber to a v rocker right off the bat went is always great to hear… Im psyched to try it, and a little nervous, but excited nonetheless! thanks

Posted: 17 February 2012 04:58 PM

Hi - I totally agree with Rich. The Feelgood is going to be a massive change for you! Not just because of the camber - the Feelgood is also a highly responsive women’s board, so you’ll find you don’t need to throw yourself around quite as much as you have been.
I own a camber version from a few years back, and it performs well at both low and high speed. If you’re a bit nervous, my advice would be to take it easy on the first couple of runs. The absolute worst thing to do is overdo it into the first few turns and end up on your face (we’ve all done it ;-p). The flying V version has had a few grip issues and I think Burton made some changes to the sidecut of this year’s model to address the problem, but I haven’t ridden this year’s so can’t really comment.
You may need to adjust your riding style a bit to make the most of the board - take a board tool with you and don’t be afraid to muck around with the set up on the mountain if something isn’t working for you. The ICS system does give you a lot of versatility on how you place the bindings, and edge hold and riding can be greatly improved by small adjustments if you feel you’re a bit off-balance. However, don’t change too much at once - start with the stance widths and angles you’re used to and go from there.
I’m assuming you have new bindings as well? If so, be aware that forward lean in the highback can also have an effect on how you maneuver the board. I would try to match the lean on your previous bindings so it’s not too much of a difference all at once.
The Feelgood is also quite poppy - be aware that if you hit lumps and bumps on the slope you may be launched off them to a greater extent than you were on your previous board.
Anyway, I think you’re going to be pleasantly surprised by your new board, and I really hope you enjoy yourself!

Posted: 17 February 2012 05:30 PM

Wow, thats awesome advice, thanks so much!! I do have new bindings and I’m really curious to experiment with the whole ICS system. I for sure mounted the new setup almost exactly like the old for now (thanks SO much on the lean suggestion on the highback), and am curious to know how the subtle tweaks on stance will help with maneuvering techniques once I’m out there. Especially since I’m used to LAUNCHING myself around on the old camber board, I am overly psyched to hear that I most likely wouldnt have to work so hard. Maybe I can ditch my knee braces with a board from this decade! (age reveal again). Board tool - check.

I was recently told the transition is like going from driving a 1970’s clunker truck to a brand new smooth sportscar - dont have to go pedal to the floor for gas anymore, but a little tap already has power… if that’s the case, I’m intrigued but yes, definitely nervous and I’ll def take it easy on the first few runs!

Thanks again, you guys are really helping a ton!

Posted: 17 February 2012 06:00 PM

I’m interested to hear how the edge holds up for you.  I found the Flying V to be less than adequate at holding an edge at Killington, VT earlier this year.  That said, if I lived anywhere other than the NE, it would have been my board of choice.  On everything but ice it feels amazing.

I was riding a board from 2003, and was told the difference in the new tech would blow my mind.  I wasn’t disappointed.  It’s pretty much night and day.  It’s way more comfortable, basically impossible to catch an edge, and will improve your snowboarding level years worth on the first few runs.

Posted: 22 February 2012 05:00 PM

I just wanted to post how my experience went this past weekend on my awesome new hybrid. For those who are debating, I give my two thumbs up. Although I am doing drastic comparisons, for anyone in my boat - here’s my take.

Even strapping in I was shocked at the lightness of the board. Remember, I’m coming off of riding a board from 98, stiff, rough and heavy. This was way more than a breath of fresh air like Rich said, but almost like an entirely new planet. The board felt light, sturdy and had just enough flexibility and stiffness for my riding style. Even getting off the lift was fun!

From the first run I was amazed at how much power one little toe could accomplish on a board like this, and I was able to spin around on the board a couple of times (foreign to my old board). Heading down the mountain was positively awesome!  I was flying and I couldnt get over how light the board was. Because of Snowkat’s suggestion, I took a tool with me and adjusted the highbacks about 3-4 times. On my third run, I knew my old camber board was going to either be stored in my basement or donated it to a museum (ha) - anyone want?. The edges of the Flying V held surprisingly well on ice patches and I intentionally carved all over ice just to check it out. I was most nervous about this given the reviews, but I had no problem at all. The sharpness of the edges held drastically better than my old camber log. It responded beautifully and in lumpy hard snow patches, the board most certainly had pop and the edges never caught once. Keep in mind I’m in the northeast where it’s barely snowed; I have no clue how this board performs in deep pow or any real pow at all as the mountain I was on was strictly groomed hard packed snow/ice. Regardless, the board is super fun, super playful, easy to control and listened to my every command and I have no clue how I survived such an older board for all of these years. I’m very happy.  I would definitely not recommend this board to an absolute beginner as it has a lot of power for someone learning (hard to brake if you dont know how), but for someone with experience, this one is super fun. Glad I took the plunge.

Thanks all for the wonderful advice, I’m addicted all over again!

Posted: 23 February 2012 09:51 AM

I’m so glad you had a great time and that you’ve rediscovered the love!!! :-)