Some advice for a new board

Posted: 01 September 2010 07:00 PM

Hi all

I’ve just started researching boards as I’m planning on buying a new board.  I’ve been boarding for about 5 years going once or twice a year.  My first board was an ex rental.  It’s a Salomon shade 155, I know it’s nothing special but it was cheap with binding when I first started.  Probably should have replaced it long ago.  I am not even sure if it’s the right size for me although I’ve managed with it.  It’s now seen better days.  It’s is definitely well overdue a replacement!

I mostly ride on piste, have done a bit of off piste.  I am not interested in going on a park.  I do a few jumps but only around the edges of the piste.  I am looking for a board that I can really progress on that is the right size for me and tailored to the type of riding I do. 

I am 5’ 10’’ , weight about 73kg and my feet are size 8 (UK).

I hope this is enough information.

Thanks

EDIT - Any information on bindings and boots would also be useful.  I will also get new bindings and maybe boots although my boots (Salomon Dialogue) are probably ok for the time being.

Posted: 01 September 2010 08:34 PM

Hi Quark and a warm welcome to our forums!

As I am in the middle of training right now, just a short post during recovery:
Make sure to have a look at the K2 Believer which is one of the favourites of our Head of Testing Tom!
A playful yet stable ride which will help you progress really well.

Concerning bindings, try using the forum search as we discussed this issue a few times already; let me know in case you can´t find anything, I will be glad to help you out then!

For boots, it´s all about comfort! Check out my boot buying guide here for more information:
http://zoryfl.wmw.cc/wordpress/?p=1094

Posted: 01 September 2010 08:39 PM

Hi Quark,

So just so I’ve got this right. You’re looking for an all-mountain board to help you progress with freeriding as you’re not so bothered with the park. You’re at an intermediate level so you’re confident with carving on reds, but you’d like to gain more confidence with charging down blacks and venturing off-piste.

My suggestions are as follows, starting with easier intermediate boards and ending up with more advanced intermediates boards:-

Rossignol Taipan - I’ve yet to ride this little beauty, but the fact that it’s just won a Transworld Good Wood award says a lot. It uses the AmpTek profile (camber between the feet and rocker at the ends) making grip through carves predictible, but jumps forgiving and turn initiation super easy. Basically it’s a toned down version of the Angus. The rockered tips will make powder riding that little bit easier.

Endeavor Guerrilla - I love this board. Understated performance with a bargain price to match. A nice all mountain shape combines with camber to produce a lively board that just loves being worked into carves. The spec is pretty basic but it just works.

Amplid Paradigama - Another board I’m yet to test although I’m definitely going to get a test in before the season gets into full swing. A slightly firmer board, the Paradigama is on the more advanced spectrum of all mountain boards, super poppy and like a razor on the edge, you can ride this board as hard and fast as you like and it won’t fail you. Tobi aka Zoryfl our man on the forums has one and he loves it for gunning down the Zugspitze, probably because it’s designed by fellow German and snowboard legend Peter Bauer. Peter knows a thing or two about making snowboards. It’s also one of the coolest brands out there.

Rossignol One MagTek - Ok ok another Rossi. Thing is Rossignol know how to make snowboards for people that spend their time ripping the pistes and riding everything the mountain has to offer. The One is quite advanced as it does have a bit of Carbon and Kevlar in the construction, but the Amptek profile loosens up he flex. Magnetraction edges get on the spec again for super grip without being catchy. By all accounts this board is easy to ride and high performance.

Arbor Element RX - The only 100% rocker board I’m going to mention on this list, because it sounds to me like you’re after a charging board. This board could actually go further down in the list as it is ridiculously easy to ride. The rocker makes carve initiation really fast and carving on this beaty is mellow but punchy when you want it to be. In pow this board works a treat and there is Grip tech on the edges which is similar to Magnetraction for when the pistes get icy.

Let me know what you think.

Rich

Posted: 01 September 2010 09:06 PM

Thanks for your prompt replies, much appreciated!!

Zoryfl, I will check the forum for other posts about bindings and your boots guide and see what I can find.

Rich, your description is pretty much spot on.  I will look at the boards you have listed and read more about them.

Thanks :)