Looking for forgiving board for 40 something dad

Posted: 03 January 2011 06:21 AM

Hi,

Here are my specs: 42 years old male , 5’5”, 130lbs, intermediate rider. Only groomers, hills, no park/pipe.  Riding small hills in WV (winternplace ans Snowshoe),  lots of ice, man made snow, .

I’m currently on a 2008 Rome Anthem 146. In general , it seems too stiff an too much board for me. Turn initiation takes more energy and in the chop everything feels delayed control.  IT tires me out and when I get tired them the big mistakes start to happen.

Also interestingly, the insert hold pattern on this board has a minimum width that is wider than I’d like. Meaning that I can’t get a narrow stance if I wanted to. 

Any suggestions for the next board. Preferably a good deal or used, Something softer and/or maybe a zero camber board or one of these hybird cambers if it would work for me.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Not going for name but want good product at good price.

thansk
AA

Posted: 04 January 2011 09:44 PM

Yeah the Rome Anthem is a powerful all mountain / freeride board for heavier aggressive riders… I don’t think you fit into that category.

Zero camber sounds like it would be a perfect fit for you, you might also like a board with camber between the feet and rocker at the nose and tail, saying that I’m also going to suggest some easier flexing camber boards to look at. I also think you could ride a board a touch longer, maybe 148-150 for all mountain riding… of course the profile and softer flex will make it more enjoyable to ride.

Regarding the stance width, you’ll have to check the manufacturers website for the minimum stance width. Then take a couple of inches of your boards minimum stance width and check that the boards you are looking at are compatible.

Endeavor Guerrilla - So this a cambered board but it’s a fun medium flex board that won’t break the bank. I really enjoyed riding it, it was super fun in turns and really manageable. The smallest is a 148 which would meet your needs.

K2 Believer - A twin shape so you can give some switch riding a go. At 151 it’s a little longer than you are used to riding. Zero camber and a mix of biaxial and triaxial laminates mean the Believer is certainly more manageable than your Anthem but still has the guts needed for all mountain riding.

Signal Omni - Camber between the feet and rocker at the nose and tail. This board is ridiculously easy to ride… so much so it might have you freestyling! Float in pow and a soft easy to butter flex. Available in a 150… but check the stance… the 156 I tried had a monster stance.

Check out those and let me know if I am on the right track. It’s quite hard to pick out a fairly soft board that will freeride ok and that is short enough for what you want.

Rich

Posted: 04 January 2011 10:34 PM

Rich,

Thanks so much. This is very very helpful. I wish I’d been able to get this good advice sooner. This forum is a great resource for those that don’t have access to demo days.

I’m also open to women’s boards which might be tuned to lighter weights.  Another suggestion the Nitro distributor gave was the Nitro T1 in 149.  The Nitro Gullwing was suggested too, but only goes as low as 152

Thanks again

Posted: 06 January 2011 06:02 AM

I found a 151 2010 K2 Believer (same as 2011 I’ve read) for $249 and got a $20 off coupon to get it for $229 new.

thanks again, I’ll post reviews when I get a chance to ride it.