Need help with first snowboard purchase

Posted: 31 March 2011 07:42 PM

I’m a beginner snowboarder looking to upgrade from rentals. I’m looking for a board that will help me progress to the next level. Right now I ride mostly groomers and want to eventually get into doing tricks. I ride on the US east coast so the terrain can get really icey.

I’m 5’7, 130 lbs, 8.5 boot size.

I’ve done a lot research and have narrowed my choices to:

K2 Raygun
Salomon Drift Rocker
Atomic Hatchet

Thanks!

Posted: 02 April 2011 07:39 PM

It might be worth looking at a board with a sidecut that puts pressure points along the edge of the board if you want to go for a referse camber board. In my opinion the Salomon Equalizer sidecut can get a little bit slippy on hard snow and ice. Have a look at the Arbor Westmark which has the Grip Tech edges which focus a bit more edge pressure at the feet. The Gnu Park Pickle and Lib Tech Skate Banana are nice playful freestyle twins hat have Magnetraction edges for better grip. It might also be worth looking at the Endeavor Color Series, the 151 is available with reverse camber, although there is no sidecut pressure points, Endeavor use nice tight agressive sidecuts that tend to grip a little harder.

Posted: 03 April 2011 01:24 PM

Hi Riden, i bought the Raygun this year as my first board. I must say i’m not a good rider - but still working on it!!! - and think is not really good on icey - had two serious falls this year. On the other hand, I think is good board anywhere else, is really easy to “drive”, small jumps, turns, etc… I had lots of fun on pow! And the price is ok.

Hope this few words help you a bit. Anyway, a much better raider would advice you better than me.
Rgrds.