Burton Easy Livin Flying V v. Capita Green Machine

Posted: 14 May 2011 10:27 PM

Another “which board” question.

About me:  37 years old.  6 ft.  190 lbs.  Moderate board sport experience.  Skating for a long time.  Some surfing.  Snowboarding a couple of times.  Can turn, plow, stop, make it down the hill alive.  Looking for a first board that I can grow with but will not outgrow quickly.  Will mainly be carving and cruising with maybe some park riding as I progress.  I live in Chicago and most of my use will be on our nearby “mountains” (glorified hills).

I’ve been to our local shops and, in part because of the drastic end of season discounts, am looking to buy.  I’d like to support my local shop, so although I know selection is much broader thru the Internet, am self-constrained by local selection.

First, sizing.  Recommendations have been between 155 and 160, mostly around 158, which seems right to me, but welcome feedback.

Second, models.  Burton Restricted Easy Livin Flying V or the Capita Green Machine.  Could also get a Burton Custom Flying V or Burton Process V Rocker.  My first thought is that there really isn’t a bad choice among them, but want some outside feedback from those with experience with these boards. 

Also, if you think see recommendations are totally wrong given my experience and how I expect to use the board, again any alternative suggestions are welcome.

Thanks in advance.

Posted: 14 May 2011 10:37 PM

Firstly, I’d say you should be looking for a board around 160. In my opinion 158 is too short for a man of your stature. A longer board means more effective edge, more effective edge means more grip on hard snow.

Secondly, there are some great end of season deals going on at the moment, but I’ve just got back from the board test where I was able to ride the Custom Flying V Squeezebox… The Squeezebox profile made the board so much more grippy it was ridiculous. Although last years Custom Flying V was good, it feels like a rough prototype in comparison to this years. If the deals aren’t really good then hold on ‘til next year.

Posted: 14 May 2011 10:53 PM

I previously rode a 158 and found it fine. Most board finder type apps suggest around a 160 as well, but the guys in both shops suggested that something a little shorter would be slightly better for our local hills.  Candidly, I don’t quite understand why.

Should I take your silence about the easy livin and the green machine to be a case of “if you can’t say anything nice ...”

Also, any thoughts on whether a pure rocker or hybrid rocker/camber like the flying v would be a better choice for a newbie like me?