Which Rossignol would be best for first board?

Posted: 08 August 2012 12:16 AM

Hey all,

First off, I want to thank you for your work here. I’ve definitely been learning A LOT in the short time I’ve been on this website, and I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon!

Anyways, I’m looking to get my first snowboard, right now I’m considering one of Rossignol’s boards. I only pinpointed Rossignol boards because I really like the sound their Amptek, rocker-camber-rocker profile for the stability and control you can get but also having easier turns, not catching edges as much, and being more forgiving than a normal camber board. But if there are any other boards that fit this profile, I’m definitely open to suggestions.

I live on the East Coast, and I started snowboarding about 5 years ago. I’ve only gone about twice every year, and last season, I thought I really started to get the hang of snowboarding. And by that I mean comfortably linking turns and carving widely on the greens and somewhat comfortably on the blues, with my main challenge on blues has been trying to get used to the faster speed there, so I’d consider myself somewhere between beginner and intermediate? I’ve been using rental boards the entire time, and they have been really, really stiff and catchy, so half the time I get paranoid of faceplanting. I’d like to continue going down the groomers and mountain for now, maybe even jibbing or trying some tricks later on, but definitely not thinking of going to the park any time soon, so I guess I’m looking for a mostly all-mountain board with nice edge hold but that isn’t too catchy, is stable and maneuverable for (hopefully) narrower carving, yet can be versatile enough for me to try jibbing later on.

So with all that said, I am down to the Taipan, One Magtek, and Angus. They all seem to have great reviews, versatility, and price/value, but I’m having trouble deciding which would be best for me. I’m concerned that I may outgrow the Taipan very soon or that it may be a bit too park or tricks-oriented rather than for groomers and carving (they say it’s pretty soft). I know a lot of folks recommend the One Magtek and its Magnetraction for the grip on the East Coast here, but I’ve also heard some say that the Magnetraction on the One Magtek can be almost too grippy and catchy when not on ice. I’ve also read that the Angus is a great all-around board. Also, would any of these boards be too advanced/easy for me? I’m looking to keep it for a bit, but I’ve heard and seen a lot of reviewers inconsistently recommend these boards, which definitely hasn’t helped my decision making!

Any and every comment will be much appreciated! As for my specs, I’m 5’ 11” (180cm) and 160lbs (~72kg) with 9.5 sized feet (US size). Oh, and I’m hoping to spend about $300, but I do have some flexibility. Thank you guys in advance!

Posted: 08 August 2012 07:09 AM

Hey Stro,

THanks for the compliments on the site. In the next couple of months it will be refreshed will all of next years gear so it’ll be even better.

Yeah the Rossi boards do offer a lot of bang for your buck. I spent an entire season riding an Angus and it was a very versatile and easy to ride board. Where I was most suprised was in the powder where it absolutely dominated vs a cambered board with a similar shape. As far as choosing between the boards, if I were you, I would wait just a couple of months until the 12/13 Rossi line becomes available. THey’re releasing a new board called the Templar which has a mellower 5 bump magnetraction instead of the usual 7. It’s similar in shape to the Rossi One Magtek but a touch softer making it even more progressive for inexperienced riders. Basically it would be a perfect choice and the graphics are pretty cool. Arno the chief at Ropssi Snowboard talked us through it in this video at ISPO - 2012/13 Rossi SNowboard preview video

Posted: 08 August 2012 11:17 AM

Hey Rich,

I appreciate the quick response. Now I must say the Templar sounds too good to be true! I looked it up real quick, and it does sound perfect. Even the Rossignol website describes it as a fusion of the One Magtek and Taipan. I’m DEFINITELY going to consider it now. When exactly is it going to be released? I’ve found a couple of places that seem to be selling (or maybe it’s just preordering) the Templar for $400.

Also, if I HAD to pick one of the three I originally mentioned, though, which would you recommend? I only ask this because I found a great deal on the three, where the Taipan, Angus, and One Magtek are selling for $192, $220, and $247, which I think are a steal!

Posted: 09 August 2012 03:54 PM

After some more research, I’m taking the One Magtek off the consideration list. I think I’m leaning heavily towards the Angus, partially because of the great deal I found. However, I’ve run into two more boards that I’m curious to get more information on. Does anyone have any more information and insight on how the Salomon Titan and Infinite Flow (Pop-cam) ride? Would they be a fit for me?

Posted: 09 August 2012 05:07 PM

I would recommend the Rossi One Mag over the Salomon Titan any day of the week. As far as Flow go… I’m afraid I am yet to ride a Flow board, they seem to be a bit more popular in the States than they are in Europe.

At that price the Angus is an absolute steal but if you’re riding bulletproof conditions a lot I’d still lean towards the One Mag. The One Mag has this reputation of being quite stiff but it’s no stiffer than a middle of the road all-mountain board. I have several boards with Magnetraction and I don’t find them really any more catchy than my other boards… certainly noisier when you;re carving down hardpack but not catchier in my experience. Ideally I’d look at the Templar and take the hit to be on a board that matches your requirements pretty much exactly.

Posted: 09 August 2012 06:45 PM

I see… Yeah I would really like the Templar as well, but being a college student (buying this new board with money from my summer job), a lower price would be better. But still, with that said, I’m going to have to mull over this a bit. I only preferred the Angus over the One Magtek because A) reviewers say that the Angus still holds a good edge even in ice or hardpacked groomers (I don’t think I’ve run into any terrible, terrible conditions even with the rentals) and B) some said the One Magtek to be too grippy or catchy. But with your advice and testimonial in mind, I’ll definitely consider all three now.At least I really can’t go wrong with any of the three, right?

Also, any bindings you would recommend? (would you recommend a different binding for each of the boards?) If I choose the Templar, I may strongly consider getting a slightly cheaper bindings, but other than that I’m thinking about $100 ~ $150 for bindings.

Posted: 09 August 2012 07:40 PM

If you get on EVO.com quick and go to their outlet Snowboard clearance page you’ll spot some Raiden (Nitro’s binding brand) Zeros for $125 in matt black, available in Large and Medium. That’s a really great deal on a slick looking high performance binding.

Posted: 10 August 2012 04:21 AM

Thanks Rich,

I’m definitely going to get the Nitro Raiden! And after thinking about it for a while, I think I’m going to go with the One Magtek 159. As enticing as the Templar is,  I think the deal on the One Magtek is too good to pass on. I’ll definitely keep you guys posted as I get the stuff and when I ride it in the winter! Thanks again Rich.

Posted: 10 August 2012 10:43 AM

Yeah definitely let us know how you get on. It’s going to be a trick looking set-up!

Posted: 10 August 2012 11:10 AM

stro - 10 August 2012 04:21 AM

Thanks Rich,

And after thinking about it for a while, I think I’m going to go with the One Magtek 159. .

Wouldn’t be this board too long for you. I’ve got more less as same parameters as you 181 cm 73-74kg and feel much more comfortable on 155-156 boards then on 158-159 (I’ve ridden on rental in this length to check what size is better for me).

But it is only my sugestion

Cheers

Posted: 10 August 2012 01:58 PM

Only a few cms in it. I ride a 159 for all mountain and I’m exactly the same stats. For more carving edge hold and stability the 59 is better, for jumps and nimbleness the 56… personal preference really.

Posted: 11 August 2012 10:37 PM

Thanks for the input, Tom. I must say that I was a bit confused because different snowboard size charts and guides were a bit different. But seeing as though I’m not looking to zoom down the mountain and instead work on simply improving overall, I think I’m going to go with the 156. Thank you all for your inputs!