Arbor Westmark 2011

Posted: 08 January 2011 08:37 AM

Hi,

I’m looking at picking up the new Arbor Westmark, but I’m a little concerned about the blunted ends and the size.  I currently have a Lib Tech Travis Rice in a 157, but with the blunted ends, it actually feels more like a 159.  I am 5’11 and about 190 and have been thinking about the 153 or the 156, but because of the blunted tips, is it as noticeable as the Lib’s blunted ends?  Is the Westmark truer to size, compared to the Travis?  Also considering my weight, would getting a 153 be too much for the board?

My riding style is mainly bombing and a few kickers here and there, but I’ve been feeling the urge to start buttering and hitting more rails.

Daniel

Posted: 08 January 2011 11:33 AM

Hi Daniel,

Tread carefully with the Westmark it’s certainly nowhere near the Travis Rice in terms of stiffness. If the TRice is a 7/10 the Westmark is 3/10. Im 5’9” and 165lbs, I rode the 156 and it felt really soft. It also felt ridiculously agile and perfect for presses and jibs. I would definitely recommend against going for the 153, amoungst other things I would think you wouldn’t find it too hard to snap the board.

Is the whole problem with the TRice that the additional cm or two of effective edge made the board feel unreactive to quick changes?

Posted: 08 January 2011 12:04 PM

Hi Rich,

Thanks for your input.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my TRice, but like you said, it is a 7 in terms of stiffness and I do want something a lot more flexible to play around with on groomer days.  Plus having a noodle might actually help me slow down a bit.  =)  I’ve only owned stiff boards and my previous ones have been a 63, then a 61 and now the 57, which doesn’t feel like a true 57, because of the blunted tips.

Through the trees on pow days, the TRice is great, would you know how noodles like this might hold up?

Daniel

Posted: 08 January 2011 12:27 PM

I think for larking around on the 56 Westmark is going to be great, I’d say it probably felt shorter than it is, especially as you can really max out the stance on it!

Posted: 08 January 2011 12:53 PM

Thanks a ton Rich, now the price shopping begins!!

I appreciate your input and thanks for the website as well.