New Beginner/Intermediate board and Binds

Posted: 17 December 2010 11:30 PM

Hello,

I’ve been riding for three years now, 6’4”, 200 lbs, size 12 boot.
I mainly ride groomers, but I want to start riding more off piste and park (got a bit of both last year).

I am currently riding an Atomic Triarc 161W and Burton Customs, and I want to upgrade to something a better, I was considering:
Option 1: K2 Raygun 164W with K2 Uprise
Option 2: Ride Manic with Ride Revolt

can anyone recommend one of the two? I saw both boards good reviews, but I couldn’t find a lot of info on these binds, does anyone have experience with the K2 Auto binds?

Is there a REAL reason to go for something a bit better like the Machete or TurboDream or will it be a waste of money considering my riding level?

Thanks for the help,
Ittai

Posted: 19 December 2010 11:14 AM

Both Ride and K2 are owned and manufactured by K2 sports so the quality of both are identical.

Personally I’m not a mssive fan of the Urethane sidewalls that Ride use so I’d probably lean towards the K2 Raygun. However I think you would probably get along just fine with the Turbo Dream and if you can afford the TD I’d go for that. It’s manageable, fun in park and floats on the pow and our tested Mikee was raving about the Harsh Mellow dampening.

With regards to bindings, pick the ones that have the right flex for what you want to ride and makes sure the straps and footbed fit your boots correctly and you’re away. For me, I’m a big Drake fan, it’s what I’ve been riding for the last few years and I’m very happy with them. I guess it’s like boots, when you find a brand that fit and perform you’re loyal to that brand…. best not to take my biased advice and choose the pair that meet your riding needs.

Rich

Posted: 19 December 2010 02:37 PM

I actually ended up going with the GNU Carbon Credit 165W and Rome 390’s.
Had to place the order on Friday, and after a lot of reading it seemed like a safe choice (I can’t really try the gear since I am abroad right now and someone is bringing the board and binds here)

Thanks for the help!

Posted: 20 December 2010 12:37 PM

Nice choice, the Rome bindings are really solid, as well!
Don’t forget to drop a review here on the site as soon as you had the chance to test the board for a couple days!

Have fun, best wishes
Tobi