(sanity) Check on snowboard setup before buying

Posted: 17 February 2012 09:17 AM

First time poster, long time reader. Kudos for a easy read forum!

Ive been snowboarding on and off for around 5 years, though im still learning (skiis before that). Been renting my stuff mostly but last year I bought boots (Ions US10, eur 43), this year I thought about completing my setup.

I mostly ride grooms, though powder maybe a few times a year. Havent gotten into jumping etc, but wouldnt mind trying it out. 

My facts:
  - Height: 183cm
  - Weight: 83-85kg
  - Boot size: US10 (eur43) Burton Ions.

The gear Im thinking of buying (on sale)
  - Board: Nitro Blacklight (gullwing) 160cm, 2012
  - Or Libtech TRS 162cm
  - Binding: Flux SF45 “M” , 2012

Nitro is specced for 65-85kg, how does this affect that Im right at the max limit?
  - Would it make a big difference for me to go 163 (70kg+) instead of 160?

Libtech TRS 162cm, would this be a better choice?

thanks in advance.

Posted: 17 February 2012 05:17 PM

Weight ranges on the core of a board are quoted so that the person riding it doesn’t over-tax the core’s strength and damage the board. Boards are usually tested beyond the weight ranges quoted, so if you’re at the top end it’s not too much to worry about. Similarly if you’re underweight for the board, you’ll have a harder time flexing it as it’s supposed to be.
Other boards in the Nitro range quote a 70kg+ weight for their longer boards. Not sure why the Blacklight’s got a firm upper limit, but would imagine it’s got something to do with the internal construction. The Lib Tech boards don’t quote the upper limit, just the lower one.
Anyway, I think if you’re looking for an all mountain board, either of these are going to be fine for you. If you ride icy conditions a lot, the magnetraction on the TRS might be a good idea as it’ll help with edge hold.
You don’t want to go too long for your height and weight - 160 is about the right length. If you want maneuverability, maybe look for something a little shorter. if you go longer you’ll be more stable at speed but it’ll take more effort to turn the board quickly.

Posted: 17 February 2012 07:35 PM

thanks for the input, appreciate it. though I went with the Libtech TRS 162 and Flux SF45 combo, seemed good enough =)