new board for a guy turning older (and heavier;)
Posted: 17 December 2012 08:38 PM
So I’m turning 35, and lets be honest i’ve turned a bit tubby. I’m 178 cm tall and bout 210 pounds.. I’ve been boarding casually for a long time and my bataleon hero is getting old. I’m looking for a new board.
Now getting older has advantages, i’m not on a particularly on a budget. But I’m looking for a board that works for big guys,
The bataleon is nice board, but i’ve bought it to long. Its easy and stable. But its really takes quite some effort on a steep downhill. For me especially on a long backside ride (excuse me if i use the wrong terminology, i’m Dutch so perhaps not up on all the lingo in English). On the backside I really have to dig in to keep the edge controllable , which causes a lot of strain on my soles. Also the bataleon is 162 so its way too long (beginners mistake) I feel my stance is way to wide to be comfortable for a full days riding
So I’m looking for a more grippy board, thats good on the slopes and really slices through ice and hard snow (which we have a lot of in the alpes) , no tricks for me just down and fast and smooth carving.
Seeing as i’m on the heavy side, i really would like to for a shorter board ,regardless of my weight. I;m in good control of my board and would like to upgrade to a more responsive/ advanced board, but also something that can support my weight ;)
any suggestions, I’m hoping i’m not the only one growing bigger over the years. , what did you choose, what worked best for you?
Posted: 21 December 2012 01:55 PM
Hi buddy
I might be able to help. I’m 33’ 185 tall and 175lbs (close enough?). Size 10uk boots.
I demo’d A LOT of boards after starting snowboarding 3 years ago. I just bought a 2011/12 Ride DH2 because I loved it when I tested one for a few days last season. Ride snowboards are typically solidly built and the feel when you are riding is really damp, no chatter exhausting your feet and legs, even on hardpack or chopped up snow. A lot of reviews say they can feel dull at slow speeds but I didn’t find this, I reckon that if you are physically strong/aggressive/heavier rider the ways they’re built adds to the experience by feeling solid under foot. ‘Serious fun’ is the best way I can explain it. Not wobbly or unsteady.
I’ve been on a few Ride boards so if you are mostly mountain try the Highlife UL or if you want something a bit cheaper try the Manic, it floats great even though I had a 155! (158 would probably be a better bet though). If you prefer more freestyle type riding the DH2 is great, you sacrifice a bit on powder performance but its so f-ing fast! :))))). I got mine half price as it was end of season.
Ride Capo bindings are worth looking at for these boards too.
Happy shopping
Posted: 27 December 2012 10:39 PM
I’m 42 and I just upgraded to a Nidecker Ultralight. It’s an incredible board that does everything well: powder, groomers, etc. Also check out the Jones Flagship, another well reviewed board that will serve you well too. Good luck
Posted: 05 January 2013 04:21 PM
got a Jones Flagship today, gonna try it out asap.. thanks for all the advice.. ;)
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