Atomic Banger for a big dude?

Posted: 10 April 2011 06:53 PM

Hey y’all.  I’m researching a board for my boyfriend.  He’s been boarding a few years and is still on the cheap rental that he bought at the end of his first season. Its a Salomon Igo. He loves it but I am thinking it might be limiting him—he had a great day yesterday booming down groomers, but sinks in pow every time and can’t get over the hump to the next level of riding unless conditions are perfect.  Seems like the board is light and gets knocked around a lot and since he is a big guy it would probably help if he could take advantage of all the pow-friendly technology out there.  I can’t even get him to demo a board, so please help me out.  He’s a big dude, 5-10 and 250 lbs.  Tahoe rider.  I was thinking of the Atomic Banger, but wasn’t sure if that’s a good board for a dude of his weight, saw something about fish shaped—I’m a skier and board technology seems to change so fast its hard to know what would be right for him.  Looking for something that will help him float and handle variable conditions with less effort but that is versatile and forgiving enough for a guy who is still on the upswing of the learning curve.  Maybe something to surprise him with what he can do.  If not the Banger, any suggestions on what to look for?  And if the Igo is it and I should just leave well enough alone, tell me!

Posted: 12 April 2011 10:01 AM

Hi Fang,

Sorry about the delayed reply,k trying to get out on the mountain as much as possible before all the snow in Austria melts away.

You can probably tell from my review of the Banger, I’m a big fan, and the factory where the boards are built is about half a mile from my flat. However, I don’t reckon the Banger would be the best choice for your man. Firstly, you’re right taper is a great way of creating float in deep snow, but I think it’s best suited to more advanced riders who like the punchy feel of camber for big drop landings and slashing windlips. Personally I think reverse camber is a better choice for less experienced snowboarders. I think a board like the Arbor Element RX 165 and even the Volkl Soul Surfer 167 which features a very light taper and reverse camber profile would give your man a forgiving board that floats like a dream. You could also check out the Nidecker Legacy 163XL and 166XL, if his feet are bigger than a US10.

Rich

Posted: 12 April 2011 07:40 PM

Thanks a lot, that’s very helpful.  There’s so much great new tech out there its tough to know what’s right for the right person.