Need advice for a light board
Posted: 11 October 2011 06:44 AM
Hi there,
I’m an avid snowboarder that use to go boarding about 20-30 times a year but have been out of the loop for a few years on what kinds of snowboard are out there. I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction to buy a new snowboard that is light in weight so that I can do tricks easier and some extreme carving than my current Ride Catalyst.
I’m 5’9, 140lbs.
Thanks in advance!
Posted: 11 October 2011 03:10 PM
So you are mainly charge hard and do bigger jumps but no rail or minishred. What about pow, would you like to ride a rockered board for better float in the deep stuff?
What’s your budget on the board? If it’s not particularly limited I’d say definitely check out the K2 Protohype (which is replacing the Zero from this season on). It might be a bit too advanced but just see for yourself.
The Amplid Paradigma will be a board which won’t take so much of your stamina to work it since it is equipped with Zero Camber from this season on. It is a great allmountain ride and Rich loved riding it.
Another board worth having a look at would be the Salomon Man’s board. Sick graphics and capable of handling the backcountry!
One of Nitro’s classics might also interest you: Check out the Blacklight now featuring Gullwing Rocker Tech. You might love it!
Hope this helped a little, come back if you got any questions!
Cheers Tobi
Posted: 11 October 2011 05:59 PM
jumps and bombing the mountains is my style, you got that right!
my budget is roughly $600 for just the board, i dont mind spending the cash to use for the next 5 years
i rarely ride in the deep stuff but it would be awesome to be able to feel like i’m floating. I mainly want lots of control in the air
also, i know this might be a dumb question, but how is one able to go about trying a snowboard before they want to purchase it?
Posted: 11 October 2011 11:59 PM
Hi Tobi,
After looking around the ones you recommended, I was wondering if there are any equivalent boards with the same attributes but from an older season? I’m really liking the Nitro Blacklight and K2 Protohype but my budget has changed since I was also looking at some expensive bindings and boots. I also wanted to know what you think about the K2 Ever Auto bindings and also the Double Boa boots.
Thanks again!
Posted: 12 October 2011 12:53 AM
Hey mate,
you can always try to find the models I listed above, just from last season, on the internet.
Honestly though, you might have a hard time finding a Zero or Blacklight in the size you need. Because they are really good boards, they tend to get sold out fast. But definitely have a try!
Some other board I often saw some fantastic (!) deals in shops as well as on the internet is the Arbor A-frame. Truly one fantastic freeride weapon and I think I saw one for for only around $300 end of last season.. So if you like the wooden style, go have a look!
About the bindings: I think the Auto Ever work just fine, they are really lightweight and easy to strap on once you got used to it. Yet, I am not 100% sure if regular strapped bindings wouldn’t provide you just a little bit more stability in your bindings which you might need bombing down the hill. I can’t really tell because I didn’t try them for charging the mountain heavily, I’m just talking theory right now..
Can’t tell you anything about the boots but as long as they fit (Link) and the system works for you, it will be fine!
Anyway, cheers and no worries
Tobi
Oh I forgot about your testing question: There will be season openings all over the place soon and mostly, on such an event, manufacturers have a little tent there and let you try their stuff for free (at least if you don’t break it intentionally). That’s probably the best way to test several boards in just one or two days.
But you can also always just give the company a call or drop them an email and tell them where you want to ride and ask if they got a store there that rents their boards. You might be lucky!
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