Thinking of buying a snowboard…

Posted: 16 February 2011 07:40 PM

... but I could use some help in choosing!

I started snowboarding last year in Val Thorens (France) and even though I had never gone on a skiiing-holiday before, I absolutely loved it. Last year, I learned the basics and was able to go down on the blue slopes without major problems (in the end at least :D). This year, we went back to Val Thorens and I took some group lessons again, hoping to improve my technique and learn a few things. At the end of the week, I was able to go down red slopes (even though the steep and “bumpy” parts aren’t my speciality) so I guess I would say I’m an intermediate at the moment.

At the end of this year’s holiday, I was really thinking about buying a snowboard instead of going for the rent-solution. On the last day (seeing as I didn’t have a ski-pass anymore), I was just walking around and visiting some stores and I saw some nice boards. I’ve made a small list (see below) but it might help to know “what kind of rider” I am.

I prefer cruising down the groomed slopes, might do a small jump now and then but I’ll probably won’t visit the park. It’s not really about speed either, don’t see what the point is in getting down as fast as possible, but I simply like going down the slope, making my turns, try some carving (even though I’m not good at it for the moment), maybe try some buttering if I’m in the mood. I’m thinking some sort of all-round snowboard would be nice for me, no?

The list of snowboards I compiled:

- Rossignol Angus 2011: I’ve heard so many good things about this board. Based upon the reviews I’ve read, this seems to be a great all-round board and suited for someone to improve their skills. And call me crazy but I love the design! Also what is the difference between the Angus and the Rossignol Taipan 2011? I saw the Taipan at a store for EUR 400,00 for the board + Cobra bindings which looked like a sweet deal but I’m not too familiar with the Taipan.

- Burton Deuce 2011: Friend of mine told me this is a great board for freeride as well but I’m not too familiar with it.

- Forum Destroyer Chillydog 2011: I saw this board with a reduced price but I’m guessing this one is more for the freestyle/park lovers? Plus, isn’t this more suited for the advanced riders?

- Bataleon Goliath 2011: Seems to be a big contender for the Rossi Angus. I’ve read your review on this board and this seems be a great all-round board as well?

- Burton Process 2011: It seems to be a very popular board, I’ve seen tons of people with this one on my last holiday but is it suited for me? Also, what is the difference between the Rocker and V-Rocker model?

- YES Optimistic 2011: Even though it also has gotten some great reviews and seems to be a superb snowboard for all-round usage, isn’t this a quite expensive board (and perhaps more suited for more advanced riders)? I don’t know much about the price to be honest since I can’t seem to find a store in Belgium (yeah, forgot to mention I was from Belgium) which sells YES-snowboards.

If you have some other suggestions, please let me know. I’m not too well-known on all the snowboard terms but I hope you got an idea of what I’m looking for. Should you still need some additional info, just ask. :)

Thanks in advance!

Posted: 17 February 2011 10:33 AM

Out of all of the boards you’ve listed the Taipan makes to most sense. Essentially it’s the same shape as the Angus and has the same rocket speed 4.4k sintered base so you won’t be unstrapping your back foot on the flat sections. It also uses the All mountain Ampek profile so you’ll find the board easy to initate turns, forgiving as you start to learn jumps and flat ground jibs and really floaty for powder riding. The difference between the Angus and the Taipan is mainly the flex pattern, the Taipan is slightly softer between the bindings and narrowly stiffer in the nose and tail. I guess this is to make the board easier to initiate turns and offer a touch more stability fore and aft of the bindings. The Taipan won a Transworld Good Wood Award this year so it’s a top performer.

Rich

Posted: 23 February 2011 12:31 AM

Thanks for the reply, Rich!

Too bad the Rossi Taipan was at a store in Val Thorens.

Oh well, just had a look at the new Rossignol snowboards for fall 2011-2012 and the new Taipan looks pretty sweet (let’s hope it still has the same specs).

Rossignol Experience / Taipan / Angus