Looking to Upgrade

Posted: 26 March 2010 04:45 PM

Been riding for about 5-6 years and looking to upgrade deck and bindings from my first purchase. Currently riding a Salomon Link board with bindings. Not crazy about it, but was a decent (and cheap) entry-level board that got me going. Just got a new pair of Vans BOA for boots.

I ride on the East Coast, primarily at Stowe and Sunday River. Pretty comfortable on most terrain, just started doing some tree riding. Not that interested in hitting the park, prefer an all-mountain approach.

I’m 6 feet tall, weigh 175 pounds and wear US size 10 boots.

What I want to do: Looking to go a little faster and do tighter turns. I like hitting bumps (on powder days!) and glade riding. Primarily an East Coast rider, but like to do an occassional trip out West and to Europe, so want a board with some powder capability.

Also wanted some thoughts on Flow bindings.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

Posted: 26 March 2010 05:26 PM

Hi there Gaucho, welcome to the SR forums!

Visit this thread for how Rich, Reloaded and I think about Flow bindings- we just discussed that some days ago in the thread I linked above.

Boardwise I think the Atomic Alibi would be a good fit. Superfast sintered base, twin prog sidecut for quick response and really light in the air.

For some more $$$ you could have a look at the Aplid HiDef. Amplid’s flagship comes with a lightening fast sintered base and only hightech materials.
It’s quite a stiff ride, though- check the review to get some more detailled information about it

So far, tell me what you think.
Cheers Tobi

Posted: 26 March 2010 06:06 PM

Thanks for the advice. Been using a cinch binding, and really have no issues. I tend to ride with skiers, so was thinking of something a bit quicker to get in and out of, hence the Flow. But obviously have seen the love it or leave it arguments and am a bit confused.

Any thoughts on Arbor boards? A buddy swears by them. They look real purty, but not sure if I’m being swayed by good marketing versus actual performance. And what’s the “rocker revolution” they talk about on their website?

Thanks again.

Posted: 26 March 2010 06:24 PM

Arbor actually is a really decent brand. I just didn’t think of them when suggesting decks to you.
You could definitely have a look at their freeride-allmountain boards like the Element.
The A-Frame is probably too much for straight-lining down the mountain.

Check the Rocker article at the very bottom of our Basic Guide to get some more informations about rocker techs if you are new to it.

Anything we can do to help you clarify your thoughts towards Flows? :)

Come back if you got anymore questions!

Posted: 27 March 2010 05:45 PM

Hi Gaucho,

Boards I’d also check out would be the:

Signal OG
Endeavor Next
Rossignol One

The Next and the OG have a very slight taper which will help when your in deeper snow, I find taper also makes boards that little bit more nimble and responsive, perfect for dodging in and out of trees. Signal tend to make nice light boards with a medium flex.. great for learning on. The One is on there as it has magnetraction edges which should deal with the East Coast ice, Rossi also tend to use tight sidecuts, that’s why I like them, great for cranking carves… however the Rossi is quite firm so you’ll have to ride strong.

Posted: 30 March 2010 07:26 AM

I’ll pipe in and second the Rossignol One-Mag.  You have a few years of riding under your belt so you can probably handle the stiffer flex.  If you can also find the Rossignol Angus that board was a TWS Good Wood winner in the all-mountain under $400 decks.  It feature Amptek which is a reverse-camber tech that is so popular it’s moving onto 3 new boards next season.

For bindings I really dig Ride bindings.  I just got a set last week and they are super easy to adjust and have awesome straps, especially the webbed tow strap that allows you to strap your boots down anyway you like easily.  Plus they are made out of aircraft-grade aluminum so they are strong and light.

Posted: 30 March 2010 07:02 PM

So you’re a fan of the Contraband toestrap Reloaded? do you get the response you get from standard toestraps and capstraps? Really ought to try them but I’m dubious about the feeling, what are your thoughts?

Posted: 31 March 2010 07:01 AM

Oh, I didn’t buy the Contrabands…  too funky for me.  I meant about their regular bindings, they have a webbed-designed stretchy strap that allows you to ratchet it down either as a cap or traditional strap without making any special adjustments.  I haven’t seen any other binding with such a strap.

I was close to getting the Contrabands but my Flow experience is still fresh so I went with the tried-and-true.  Plus like Tobby has said once I don’t mind taking my time before I start my runs, let’s me get a breather and enjoy the beautiful views of chicks and mountains. :)

Posted: 31 March 2010 02:26 PM

Oh Ok… I’ll have to try a pair of Contrabands at the test in a months time! Agreed taking 20 seconds too do up your bindings and catch some views isn’t exactly a chore. Although if you’re riding indoor or on a supershort hill like Finland then I can see the appeal of only having to crank one ratchet.