How try out (demo) different boards?

Posted: 07 April 2012 08:38 PM

I recently discovered this site and have been learning a lot about boards’ different qualities.  I like freeriding, a little switch to unkink my neck on cattracks, and, at 69, hardly anything in the park.  After 10 years, I’m just getting my carving technique reliable enough to pick up some speed.  I have a Lib Tech Dark Series full rocker from maybe 2008 which I guess matches my style reasonably well.  One Forum writer with this board mentioned he gets some rear end washout, which is what I can’t get rid of even with my rear foot toes hard up or hard down.  I’m not sure I’m strong enough for the One Magtech or whatever it is, and the Salomon Burner sounds possible, too, along with a few others. I’m 5’10”, 128lbs naked, wear Driver X size 9 boots.  My question is, is there any way to try out these boards so I don’t make a big mistake?  I don’t mind renting, but who has all these sticks?

Posted: 08 April 2012 09:24 AM

Hey Bob,

most of the manufacturers do have a list of dates when they are where with a booth with their products somewhere on their website.
There are several huge testing-events where there are most of the big manufacturers and you can test boards there, for free, for a short amount of time (hour(s)) and then just bring it back and get the next one.
Just look out for something like that or if you can’t make it to such an event, some rentals in the major snow-areas do have quite a selection of different boards.. you might just want to call them and ask.

Cheers Tobi

Posted: 08 April 2012 06:40 PM

Thanks, Tobi.  I’ve never heard of those multi-vendor tryout events, so how do you learn about them?  I did go to one a long time ago here in Michigan, but it was for retailers only and by invitation (my local store took me along).  I’ll go check the vendor’s sites, too, for next year.  Much obliged. - Bob

Posted: 11 April 2012 06:06 PM

Hey Bob,

Depending where you are based. In the US Transworld Business is a good site to check out where demos are. In the UK, there’s one event worth attending and that’s the thesnowboardtest.com which is open to the general public this year. It’s also worth having a look at the Burton test dates on their website as they tend to cover all of the big events and have a calendar dedicated to it.

Hope that helps,

Rich