Advice on Snowboard for 35 Year Old

Posted: 22 February 2011 04:05 AM

I’ve been reading just about everything on this website.  I’m still not sure exactly what snowboards I should really be looking for.  This was my first full season snowboarding.  I purchased a used Burton Snowboard for this past season just to be sure I would enjoy riding.  I have no idea what the name of the board is, all I know is that it is 155cm.  Here are some other stats:

- I’m 35 yrs old
- 170lbs
- 5’10”
- Currently Riding Blue
- East Coast location.  I have been riding in the Northern Maryland/Southern PA Region.
- Only interested in Riding Trails on the mountain.

I’m looking for a board that will help me progress.  I will typically go about two times a week in season.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Posted: 23 February 2011 03:12 PM

178 cm and 77 kg. Right?

Piste rider at the blue level. 2 days a week during season means progression.
I would go for a directional board, directional twin, camber or a cam rock profile.

Look at Rossi One, Nidecker Platinum or mabe Prior ATW. I would go for a bit longer. 159-163. A freeride board is a great investment for you. It can carve ice, ride pow and if you like to go into jumps later on it´s most likely a willing friend in that situation too.

Don´t just think of the board. Good boot´s are very important!

Posted: 24 February 2011 04:46 PM

Thanks for the advice!

Posted: 24 February 2011 05:01 PM

I don’t know MP those boards are pretty bad-ass… might be more progressive to go for something manageable.

When you say you’re riding trails, I assume you are talking blue, red and black?

Do you prefer a firm or medium flexing board?

How much are you looking to spend?

Do you charge the trails or do you tend to butter about, hit a few jumps, ride switch?

What aspects of your riding do you want to progress? Do you want to be able to ride faster or do you want to learn little tricks on the piste or on the side of the piste?

Rich

Posted: 24 February 2011 05:29 PM

@Rich - The mountains I’ve been riding do the trails green, blue, black.  I’ve just recently started some blue trails.  I really don’t know what kind of board I would like. I bought a used Burton Cruzer 155 mainly because it was cheaper to buy this board, bindings, and boots then it was to rent each time I would go riding. 

I don’t try any tricks, I’m not sure what butter means, and I don’t ride switch. I’m willing to spend a decent amount on a board.  I go into each trail controlling my speed and linking my heel side and toe side turns.  I really enjoy the trails that have a lot of turns in them.

Posted: 25 February 2011 12:57 AM

Yes. They are. I am sure a ice coast carver that rides two days a week will progress rather fast. If speed is the goal I think a board that boost good carving skills is the best. Not to soft. Then again - like I have discovered - speed is not the only thing on a board. So it might be good to have a more all mountain approach in the start.

If one are able to link turns one are probably ready to start to angulate more and more and start some crossunder turns. From there the riding could take a lot of directions.

A 6/10 or a 7/10 (stiffnes) board would do the trick I think.

But I do agree on the managable idea. Like I have said. If the conditions are ok I can carve on my park board as well. I mean: it´s built for handling superpipe speeds.

Posted: 26 February 2011 10:29 PM

What do you think Rich?

Posted: 26 February 2011 11:06 PM

I guess I’d suggest something with a moderate flex about 6/10 like MP suggested. You could pick up a board like the Endeavor Guerilla which you’d get lots of enjoyment from and you’ll save loads of cash for future equipment upgrades. If you wany something a little firmer with a slightly more compehensive spec then the Capita Quiver Killer will probably fit your requirements or the Salomon Answer, this board is lively but well mannered, bamboo in the core is real treat. I’d stick with camber as you’re sticking to pistes. A nice tight sidecut will make the board responsive and lively and a touch of carbon and in the case of the Answer Bamboo in the core and the board will be poppy. I wouldn’t go too stiff until you’re addicted to going hell for leather. THose are my thoughts.