Park boards for a big guy

Posted: 28 March 2010 11:39 PM

I have been boarding for about 12 years and have plenty of experience shredding powder and riding big mountains. However, I just got back from St Anton in Austria where for the first time ever I spent a considerable amount of time in the park. I really enjoyed hitting some nice jumps and rails and really want to work on this part of my boarding. The board I currently ride (Skunk Ape 172) really is not well suited for this type of boarding so I’m looking to invest. I’m about 2 metres tall, have large feet and weigh 100kg. I have looked into a Skate Bananna which I am potentially keen on. Can you point me in the direction of a board that would suit me? Can you also recommend the length that would suit?

Thanks

Posted: 29 March 2010 07:32 PM

Yo White_Mist,

Welcome to the wonderful but sometimes ridiculously painful and always unbelievably frustrating world of park riding! St Anton sounds like a blast, I hear they’re startting to take care of their park these days… got to say Austria is the best place for riding pow and quality parks in Europe hands down!

I had a think about a park board, and you’re definitely a big lad.. but I think the Skunk Ape is still pushing the realms of a longboat in the snowboar park… you’d definitely benefit from a slightly shorter board. I’ll list my thoughts.. get back to me with your thoughts when you get a chance.

Ride DH 162W:- A predictable freestyle classic, unfortunately it’s not rockered which would make it that little bit looser and fun to play around on. But as you’re quite heavy and tall, I thought the camber would give a bit of resistance to tail and nose heavy landings.

Artex Cipher 163W:- Triax glass in a cambered board with a super fast base and great build quality. Probably one of the cheaper boards on the list, but again a board that will handle the forces you’re going to put through the board.

Volkl Vice 159W:- You are right at the limit of this boards weight range, but Tom found it’s slightly higher spec brother, the Squad was great for general park riding, from rails to kickers, big and small. The rocker should improve jib-ability.

Skata Banana 159W:- One of the problems with a shorter running length is a reduced effective edge, i.e. less edge to brake you when you are flying through the park. THe mag on the skae banana will help deal with this problem.. my concern is still that 159 is going to be a little too short.

I’d try and buy something in the 162ish region, if you go any shorter then you’ll have problems with grip, the flex is likely to be a bit soft and you might find the stance is too narrow.

Rich

Posted: 29 March 2010 07:39 PM

Oh and the Ride Machete 161W or 163W. Low rize rocker and plenty of reinforcement should give you plenty of pop and help you deal with tail heavy landings. Pretty popular with the masses this season.

Posted: 30 March 2010 07:34 AM

I don’t have much experience in the park as I just started riding in their late this season.  I just picked up a K2 Parkstar, super poppy board with early rise tip and tail.  It’s available in wides and has a 163W option which Rich says will fit you well.  And yes, the park is a wonderful and painful place…  my first 50-50 I smashed my shin on the rail, what fun. :)

Posted: 04 April 2010 05:15 PM

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your responses…

Firstly St Anton—> The snow was disappointing this year. It was so warm and the snow was over by lunchtime. The park is ok but nothing compared to parks in Tignes, Val Thorens or Val D’isere. Certainly nothing compared to the parks you guys build in the US either. However, if the snow is good, i would argue that St Anton could be one of the premier resorts in Europe for off-piste powder skiing. If the snow is bad, i would strongly recommend the Moosewirt of the Crazy Kangaroo Bars. They really go off the hook apres ski. My first time in Austria, and these guys seriously managed to raise the bar in this respect!

The Skunk Ape is an awesome board but has its limitations. Sometimes I feel like i am trying to turn a ship when i need something that can react a bit faster, especially in a park. However, in the POW it is the best board i have ridden by a long way. Effortless and a pleasure to ride under these conditions.

I think i also need a board that can carve the piste, as i rarely spend a whole day in a park. For this reason, i will be needing something not too poppy, that can also hold my weight.

Regarding your recommendations, I feel that I need a board that is at least 162cm for the park. This counts out the Skate Banana (unfortunately as I love Lib Tec boards) and the Volkl Vice. However, see my thoughts below and feel free to comment on them as my mind is not yet made up but i am still keen on an end of season deal:

RIDE DH - A definite possibility, it sounds like the sort of board that was made for the park but can also hold out riding fast on the piste. I also love the design.

ARTEX CIPHER - Looks like an awesome board for the park. I know very little about this brand. However, maybe a bit too poppy to ride on the piste?? Would it handle my weight?

RIDE MACHETE - Like the DH, this is the sort of all-round but predominately for the park board that I am looking for. A sound recommendation. Any comments on the distinction between the two Ride recommendations?

K2 PARKSTAR - I have heard a lot about these boards and have seen loads about this season. Again, you get the feeling that this is the all-round board that favours the park. So, definitely potentially keen on this one. Just a thought, what is the difference between the K2 Parkstar and the Darkstar in terms of their performance..?

Basically, it is now down to 3 possibilities (unless more comes up). I’m keen to hear your thoughts.

Cheers