Long-time rider looking for new gear

Posted: 05 March 2011 09:48 PM

I’m a 25 year rider looking for some new gear.  I have ridden Palmer and Never Summer for the past 7 years.  I have an ‘04 Palmer Titanium 167 with a hardboot set-up.  I had an ‘04 NS Legacy +/-158, but it got pinched last year.  The NS was the greatest board I’ve ever owned.

I’m 6’2”, 215lbs (1.88m, 97kg) with 11.5 US boots, 28 Mondo.

I’m planning a trip to Chile this summer, and I’m thinking of regearing.  I haven’t made a purchase in a while, so here is what I’m thinking, and I’d appreciate any feedback from other experienced riders on overall concept, brands and models.

I love my Titanium, but its very much a boarder cross / race board.  I also suspect the technology is getting a little stale.  So, I’m thinking I’d get a new “big-mountain” board.  I’m a huge NS fan, so was thinking of Premier F1, or the Raptor or Summit.  But, also love Palmer, so could also go with the Crown or Honeycomb.  Might ride it hardboot, or soft…. haven’t decided.

Was then thinking of getting a shorter board with more pop for park riding….. I wouldn’t mind hitting some kickers and rails on the theory that its never too late to learn some new tricks.  Was thinking NS SL or Revolver, but maybe the Circuit would do and save me a couple bucks?  I need more help here as this is not the type of riding I’ve generally done, so have less perspective on proper gear.

Bindings, no clue.  I had Ride’s on my old Legacy, which I liked, but again they were coming on 6 years old, so there has been some new technology in the interim.

I welcome suggestions.  Would also love any hint where I could pick up prior year or overstock at good pricing…. This is going to cost so anything I could do to make it marginally less painful would be music to my ears.

Posted: 06 March 2011 10:20 AM

The Raptor is a great big-mountain board.  Carves like a champ, very stable, and has great pop off the tail.  I left a comment under the snowboard reviews section that goes into more detail if you’re interested.

Posted: 06 March 2011 03:56 PM

Thanks.  I’ll check it out and ping you if I have a questions.  Really appreciate it.

Posted: 06 March 2011 07:11 PM

Pete: 

Read your review.  Very helpful.  Given you’ve ridden it, let me bounce the following questions off of you:

Based on my size, 6’2”, 215, 11.5 boot, what would your view on proper board size be?  I’m thinking 165 without having ridden it.

Reading the reviews, I might be inclined to mount my hard boots on this bad boy.  Any perspective on that? 

Thanks again.  Very insightful.

Posted: 06 March 2011 08:08 PM

I’m 6’ 2” 180lbs, size 13 boot.  The size I rode was a 161 Raptor X with a 26.3 waist.  Toe overhang was minimal, but if I was to buy one, I’d probably go with the 165 just to have a little extra waist width.  The 165 waist comes in at 26.8 which is the same as the Heritage X I currently ride.  I think you’d be fine with either size, just depends on how much effective edge you want. 

I can’t give any advice on mounting hard boots since I’ve never ridden hard boots before.  Riding this board with soft boots, I felt very much in control.  The edges held very well through carves, and transitioning from toe to heel was quick and responsive.  With hard boots I imagine the response would be insane.

Like yourself, I am a big fan of Never Summer and have ridden their boards for many years.  The Raptor is everything you’ve come to expect from them.

Posted: 06 March 2011 09:27 PM

Perfect.  Thanks for that context on your size and the length you rode.  Should be able to figure it out from there.

Thanks again pal.  Check out www.casatours.com if you are ever in the market for a trip down south in the summer.  I’m doing my first with them this summer, but a friend of mine says the owner is a real pro, and every aspect is very professional without being stuffy or corporate.