First Board _ Very lost.

Posted: 29 August 2010 08:44 PM

Hey,

I was wondering if someone out there may be able to give me some advice on buying my first board.
I’m a complete beginner, I only have a weeks worth of slope time, but I’m off again twice this coming season and would really like to invest in my own board.

Am I right in saying that i should be looking at boards at around 157 in length?

My stats are:
6ft 2
85-86 kg
Size 10 feet.

I am a big fan visually of Endeavors 2011 high 5 board, Weekend boards and the Bataleon Omni.
This is the type of board i like visually, I just really need some advice on what boards I should be looking at spec wise.

Price wise, I’m open anything from the cheapest to the highest (but a beginner board)

Also if you have anyone has any suggestions on bindings that will fit the board that would awesome.

Thanks.

Posted: 29 August 2010 09:53 PM

Hi hicksy and welcome to our forums!

Mind giving us a bit more information about what you intend to ride most, like are you planning to be a park rider, freerider or more like a mixture of both?

Beginner decks mostly aren’t as specific as adv/exp decks but still, regarding to the profile of the deck it wouldn’t be bad to know a bit more!

Cheers, Tobi

Posted: 30 August 2010 01:02 AM

Hey,

At the moment free-rider is what I’m focusing on. Looking for a board that is a little more forgiving in the turns. I’d ideally like to go for the smallest board in length that I can regarding my weight ratio. But from what I understand I may need a slightly wider board?

Thanks for getting back.

Paul.

Posted: 30 August 2010 08:34 AM

A size 10 boot will still put you in the range for a normal deck.  If you do notice a bit of overhang on the edges a change in the binding angle will put you in the good.

The best type of board shape will probably be for you a directional board…  it will be structured to give you more comfort when riding in your normal stance.

I know it’s crazy with all the different profiles and all…  rocker this, TBT that, blah, blah.  Personally if you are totally new I’d go camber still…  all of us grew up on cambered boards and if you plan on doing freeriding mainly then it wouldn’t hurt to start there.

A 157 for your stats sounds too short for a freeride deck.  A great place is using the board selecta! and then plow through some boards and check out the manufactures specs (it will be harder to find on 2010 boards as they are updating their sites to 2011).  The manufactures list weight ranges…  see where your weight lines up in the sweet spot for a certain board, it’ll probably be larger then 157.

While a shorter board will be quicker to turn, it will not be as stable at high speed.  Oh, another thing…  stick with a board that has a slightly softer flex…  that will compensate for the longer deck and give you some of the forgiveness you want.

Hopefully that can start you to doing some research…  then when you think you really have a few candidates then pop back here and let us know what you dug up.

Posted: 30 August 2010 08:51 AM

Okay then Paul, here I come with some suggestions (no specific order, just what came to my mind):

The Artec Novus is a great-value-for-money deck. Ideal for beginners with a not-so-stiff-flex and a sintered base.

The Endeavor High5 wcould be a bit too advanced and stiff for you and as our tester Ben already says in the review, the longer effective edge might be something to struggle with as a beginner, as well.

The Bataleon Omni might be worth a look, expecially with the TrippleBaseTech which makes the ride quite a bit more forgiving but I don’t know much about it’s stiffness, so maybe Rich can jump in here and tell you if it’s still okay for a beginner.

Another ride you could throw an eye at is the Arbor Formula, Arbor’s beginner deck made in Austria- and yes, of course it’s green construction!

Last deck I am going to suggest you will be the Rossi Taipan. It does have the Amptek rocker profile on it which is said to be one of the best available on the market right now. Sintered base, directional sidecut and a medium flex for the progressive beginners.

Check these decks out, make up your mind and let me know what you think.
Tobi

Posted: 30 August 2010 01:24 PM

Hey Tobi,

Thanks for the post, had a look at the boards you suggested and think Im going to go with the Arbor Formula, looks awesome and exactly what I’m looking for spec wise.

Looking forward to it being released in the shops. Now the hunt for some quick release bindings begins

Thanks very much for your help, I really appreciate it.

Awesome forum.

Paul.

Posted: 30 August 2010 02:12 PM

You’re welcome!
Just make sure to post a review here when you had a chance to take out your new deck, be it the Formula or any other!

Feel free to state some more questions in case you need a bit help with the bindings.

Cheers, Tobi