First Board

Posted: 18 July 2011 06:49 PM

Hi Guys, 

Not been riding long, had lessons at a snowdome in the UK, and have done maybe 20 hours at the dome since then. I’m 6ft 2” about 88kg,  take a size 11 (UK) boot, and looking to buy my first board in preparation for a trip away in the winter. Not looking to do much in the park (yet) just something to have fun with on the slopes.  This seems to be a good time to buy as its out of season. Had a chat with the guy in a local shop, and he recommended a Bataleon Goliath and Flux TT30 bindings, just looking for some opinions of those more experienced on whether that’s the right board / bindings and if anyone can recommend any more i should be looking at.

Many thanks

James

Posted: 18 July 2011 11:56 PM

You’re going to progress leaps and bounds when you hit the mountains!

I guess the Goliath isn’t a terrible choice but I’m not sure it’s the perfect board for helping an inexperienced rider to progress. Firstly, what size is the boards the chap at the shop has suggested you look at? Secondly, is it a wide model? Thirdly, you haven’t been riding for long at all but are there any elements of riding that you struggle with in particular or enjoy a lot?

Rich

Posted: 19 July 2011 12:27 AM

Hi Rich,

It was a 161W model that he suggested, as for which aspects i enjoy most, i guess its a bit early to say really, i suppose I’m looking for something that i can try a little bit of everything with, and something fairly forgiving, as i don’t have all that much experience just yet.

I can’t wait to get to the mountains!

Posted: 20 July 2011 09:44 PM

Well the Rossignol One 161mW would be a good choice, the rockered tips make the board forgiving for landings and really easy to ride in powder, of course the camber between the feet and the Magne Traction edges are a real plus for grip. Alternatively you could look at K2 Raygun and the more advanced Turbo Dream which is a very versatile and suprisingly easy board to ride. It might also be a good idea to look at the Ride Antic which has a good all mountain flex, reverse camber profile and slightly directional shape that will deal with all types of terrain and snow conditions. I think these boards will feel more stable on cat tracks where the edgeless feel of Bataleons TBT might cause you a few problems until you are more experienced. Rich