new set for a big guy

Posted: 02 December 2010 11:19 AM

i have been lurking around here for a while, i love the site and found the reviews very helpful but they left me with a bit more confusion on what i need lol. i’ve only found one post that i felt related to myself (http://www.snowboard-review.com/forums/viewthread/311/) so i figured i’d submit my own post for some assistance.

some info,
6’3’’
240-250 lbs
size 14(us) boots

i’ve been riding for a few years now i’d consider myself beginner/intermediate because i’m competent at basic snowboarding (carving and regular riding) i’m looking to progress as always and i would like to start learning some park and flat land tricks type stuff, but still be able to ride groomed and some pow too. right now i’m in germany(nice powder) and will be until feb-march then i’ll be back in ny area (hard pack and some ice). so i’m looking for a board that will help me progress and not need to be changed due to conditions.

i have a podium 162 wide i think its a 2009 or 2010, very stiff.

i’ve been looking at,
ride- manic
gnu- carbon credit BTX (review says no wrap around edges…seriously bad?)
k2- raygun or beliver
Rossi- tipan or angus

most of em were recomended by board selecta!

i’m interested in the reverse camber boards but if the expert opinion is stay cambered to progress thats cool. i’d like the board not to be too expensive, as i also need a new set of bindings i was thinking all mountain but as always suggestions are cool.  i’m pretty sure 162 wide is around what i need although i’m trying to get into park/buttering so if not, any advice or suggestions are appreciated.

thanks
    -chris

Posted: 03 December 2010 09:47 AM

Hey Chris,

Biggest thing is finding a board that will fit your weight.  Depending on the model some put you in the early 160’s and others in the late 160’s.

Here are some that I found:

Burton Custom Flying-V - 169mW
K2 Fastplant - 162W

Looking at the biggest Rossi Taipan and Angus you are 40+ lbs over the weight limit…  that will mean the board won’t have as much pop when you are on it.  That IMHO is the most important thing, to make sure the board is still playful and that requires finding one that fits you.

Of the 2 boards above the Fastplant is more freestyle-oriented however the Custom can be used more all over the mountain with speed due to it’s hybrid rocker profile.

Hopefully that points you a little more in the right direction.

Posted: 03 December 2010 03:47 PM

thanks I’ll take a look at those, on a side note will i need different bindings for my weight? and will it get harder to control the board or will i have to re-learn boarding basic if i go up to a 169?

thanks
  -chris

Posted: 03 December 2010 04:02 PM

No way, I think you’ll find a longer board gives you a lot more confidence carving, a lot more float in powder and tons more stability off jumps. If anything you’ll get a sudden realisation that riding a longer board makes life easier for you.

You could also check out the Never Summer Revolver 164… which is still fairly short or the GNU Riders Choice 166W which uses C2 BTX. Bothe the NS and GNU use rocker between the feet and camber at the tips which makes the boards easy to turn and fairly easy to pop and press but with enough pop out of the cambered tail to get some air and keep carving interesting. Probably the best option if you enjoy carving but you want to progress in the park.

Don’t worry about bindings, if they fit your boots are responsive and comfortable they are fine.

Posted: 03 December 2010 05:36 PM

i am in need of a set of bindings for the new board. i was borrowing some ride bindings from a buddy. anything that sticks out in your minds for all mountain riders looking to progress? i kind of liked the rides aluminum base system, i also like cap straps if that helps narrow it down a bit.

also i would like to thank you guys. this site is awesome, your responses are timely and you’ve helped me out tremendously finding a new set up.

- chris

Posted: 04 December 2010 12:26 PM

Whatever you buy, I would make sure it has an adjustable heel loop, you’ve got big feet so it’s good to have the ability to lengthen the binding so your boots sits correctly for the straps.

Posted: 05 December 2010 01:40 PM

Most Burton bindings have very adjustable heel loops.  I myself really like Ride bindings because of the construction and webby toe-straps but I’m quite impressed by how adjustable Burton’s are at lower price-points.

Posted: 08 December 2010 10:35 AM

i’ve been looking at the GNU riders choice that was recomended, i cant find a weight range for the GNU boards and i was wondering what the thoughts were on the Lib Tech Skunk Ape its for bigger riders right?
would it be good for trying out and progressing in park?

thanks
- chris

ps- what size would you say the 165w, 169w or.. bigger?