Buying first board

Posted: 01 February 2011 06:40 PM

Hello,

I have been snowboarding about an avg of 2x / season for the last 4-5 yrs. I’ve been renting boards all along just to make sure I would like it since it was very hard to learn.

Basically I’m looking at the K2 Raygun. I am planning on mostly riding the mountain and maybe going over some small jumps or rails. I’m not interested in heavy freestyle, half pipes, or huge jumps.

I ride pretty conservative, it is enough fun for me to not fly straight down the mountain.

Here are features I’m looking for:
Conditions near me usually aren’t that great and there is a lot of ice.  I need great edge hold. I don’t want it to be too flexible since I’m tall and heavy 6’0” 190lbs. Want to spend more money on boots, not on board, I can upgrade the board later. I don’t really plan on riding goofy, but I guess the option would be nice to switch here are there.

So I need an all-around board that is pretty flexible, good price, and suitable for beginner / intermediate. This all led me to the K2 Raygun 160W. Any thoughts on other options? Should I get a taller board or something more stiff?

My local shop also sells Burton, Ride, and DC (was also looking at the Ride Antic).

K2 REVIEW LINK

Thanks!