Advice on new board, boots, and bindings

I'm looking to buy a new setup. I had a board years ago in my teens and sold it and didn't know crap about boards then and now, just length, I did like my bindings(ride rx or lx), can't remember.

I'm 6'2", 185lbs, size 12 shoe. I would say my riding is all mountain, a bit of everything. What size board should I look at, and what companies are good?

Since I had those Ride bindings I checked out their site and used the board finder and came up with a couple boards, and set ups, Ride recommended the Decade 162w, 165w, and their Yukon board in longer lengths. The bindings and boots recommended were the RX and Haze boot. Would these be good choices? Although I had a board years ago I would consider myself a beginner. Any help would be awesome:smile:

get skis, lift knuckles off ground.

next question

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CoAlpha

get skis, lift knuckles off ground.

next question

---

That was so helpful:yourock:

For bindings try the Burton Cartels they are nice and light and easilly adjust for bigger fit. The last years models can be found online for pretty cheap.

For a board go with something wide and slightly stiffer because of your size.

For boots get the ones that fit the best.

Salomon makes the best boots. Period.

For bindings, the Burton Cartels are nice..I prefer the Burton P1 over them. Salomon makes some good bindings too. Ride makes solid bindings, but they aren't as comfortable.

For boards I would stay away from Ride. They don't make a great board anymore. I would look into 3 companies 1.Prior 2.Neversummer 3.Arbor. All three companies will get you a damn solid board that you will be very happy with. I would look at low 160 size range...Alot of the length will depend on what you are riding. I am the same weight as you, and ride a 169, but I also hit 50 degree slopes and ride at very high speeds, and do lots of powder...for a beginner i would go smaller, but don't go any smaller than a 160.

For boards, no question: www.donek.com

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by shmoesmith

Salomon makes the best boots. Period.

For bindings, the Burton Cartels are nice..I prefer the Burton P1 over them. Salomon makes some good bindings too. Ride makes solid bindings, but they aren't as comfortable.

For boards I would stay away from Ride. They don't make a great board anymore. I would look into 3 companies 1.Prior 2.Neversummer 3.Arbor. All three companies will get you a damn solid board that you will be very happy with. I would look at low 160 size range...Alot of the length will depend on what you are riding. I am the same weight as you, and ride a 169, but I also hit 50 degree slopes and ride at very high speeds, and do lots of powder...for a beginner i would go smaller, but don't go any smaller than a 160.

---

This man speaks the truth on all counts. Although Im not a huge fan of Burton binding build quality, when theyre not broken theyre a pretty good product in terms of performance.

Thanks guys/girls, it was nice to wake up and see all the great responses:) What do you think of Lib tech boards? I saw they have a couple wide boards focused on freestyle, and they have some weird magnet thing?

no, no magnets. magnatraction. google that word.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by smalls

no, no magnets. magnatraction. google that word.

---

My mistake, I just checked out the tech section on their site and it shows the boards with 7 bumps placed on the inside edge. Looks crazy, but it seems like riders really like it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by shmoesmith

1.Prior 2.Neversummer 3.Arbor. All three companies will get you a damn solid board that you will be very happy with. .

---

just guessing that you won't need to spend that kind of money on a board being a beginner......solomon boots rock and ride bindings are pretty much bulletproof......i suggest not buying cheap boots....these are the most important......

Quote:

---

What do you think of Lib tech boards?

---

Screw Lib Tech. What you need is Tech Talk.

















JONG!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by shmoesmith

Salomon makes the best boots. Period.

For bindings, the Burton Cartels are nice..I prefer the Burton P1 over them. Salomon makes some good bindings too. Ride makes solid bindings, but they aren't as comfortable.

---

Boots...What is your price range?? Salomon boots are the best, but they are expensive. I have the F22's, if you have the cash, try them on and buy.

Bindings...I have the P'1s. I had the cartels but got rid of them for the Ps. Although I have never had problems with Burton Bindings, a lot of people have, so buyer beware. Because you are a beginer, you might want to check out the Missions.

Boards...I'd look for something in the 158 to 166 range. What kind of is up to you. You say you ride alittle of everything so you'll have plenty of options. When in doubt, DEMO.

When you go look for gear, realize that just because some boards or bindings cost more, it doesnt mean they are better. You will not want to buy the best of everything becasue it is geared towards experienced, technical riders.

And finally, TECH TALK

Shmoesmith... what deck are you riding at a 169? At the same weight but 5 11 I've got a Nitro Pantera 166 for freeride days. The stable ride at speed and extra float on the Pantera sold me on the 166, so I went a little smaller. Should I have gone up a size?

What if he says yes?

Lib makes dope boards for big footed riders; I'm a size 12 and never had issues. Check out the Pacifier (163 or 164 wide) or the Emmagator (166) from last season; you can find those new for around $300. A guick Google turned up this:

http://www.shorelineoftahoe.com/stor...at=1594&page=1.

If you want something new, check out the Skunk Ape with Magne-Traction in a 162 ot 167.

For boots, I also say Salomon; I've got some older F22's that have held up over the past 3 seasons and have a way smaller footprint than my old Burton's.

As with everything, the highest quality comes at a price but you'll be happy you spent the extra coin. :biggrin:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 801 jav

Shmoesmith... what deck are you riding at a 169? At the same weight but 5 11 I've got a Nitro Pantera 166 for freeride days. The stable ride at speed and extra float on the Pantera sold me on the 166, so I went a little smaller. Should I have gone up a size?

---

My Neversummer Titan splitboard is a 169 and my Neversummer T5 is a 168. My wife was 155lbs with gear and she rode a 164 Titan. That normally would be a bit long for her weight, but based on her riding style that is what the Neversummer techs recommended.

Height DOES NOT matter in board size. Your snowboard effectively acts as a leaf spring. Your weight will matter more than anything else. Your riding speed/style also will play into it alot. As you gain more speed, or go down steeper terrain you are going to flex the board a lot harder...this is why people that ride big mountain and racers tend to get longer stiffer boards. The forces they are putting on them demand the extra length and stiffness for stability and edge retention.

As far as the Pantera goes, a 166 should be solid for in resort riding and trees. As far as powder goes, that size is really going to depend alot on the snowboard shape itself. Your Pantera has a tapered shape with a progressive sidecut. A 166 tapered board is going to float better in powder than say a 169 that isn't tapered because the back side will sink down better(Burton fish is a good example of a shorter board that floats well because of board shape). I think your 166 should be just fine unless it gets really deep.

I forgot to mention in my original post that Nitro makes a pretty damn good board too...for the money though, I would still rather go with the original three that I posted.

Lib makes good boards, but they tend to get noodly pretty quick. If I wanted a park board I would get a lib with magnatraction...for all mountain or freeride I would go for a different brand.

thanks. It was the tapered shape that made me buy the Pantera. It has never slowed down, even on the deepest days. Super fun deck to ride when its good on the steeps. I see the BRTN Fish was better pow board in tighter terrain (glades) and would think of the Supermodel like the Pantera. Better on terrain like the Cirque for example, where you can open up your speed.

On boots, I have to agree: Salomons are the best. I've always had Salomon boots. I ride the Malamutes these days which are stiff and good for freeriding. The big difference I've found with Salomon boots is that they have a narrower fit compared to American brands which seem to be a lot wider. Ive got a narrow foot, so they're great for me. Another good thing about the F range (i.e., F22) is that the exterior is magically really small which is perfect for someone with big feet because they reduce the overhang on the board. But as has already been said, get a boot that that fits well and you cannot really go wrong.

As regards board, you've got big feet which narrows down your choice of board anyway. If you're 6.2" and your weight is in proportion with your size, definitely do not go with a 1.60 board. Get the widest board if you can. 1.60 is too small. Yes, a smaller board is easier to ride but snowboarding is a sport in which you can get competent quite quickly and you will soon be over a 1.6 which will mean buying a new board. Rather than buy two boards in a season (assuming you ride often and progress.?), just go for a longer board. At least 1.65. That is definitely a happy medium for your size/weight. And you'll be happy you did when you ride powder with the larger surface area! I ride an option Supercharger. It is the best board I've ever riden. Stiff as a board and it stays almost that way riding 100 days a year. I've riden Ride, Arbor and Burton. Ride was a great board but the build wasn't and it didn't last long. Burton is just shit all round and over priced and Arbor was a great board but I exploded the side wall. Nothing has ever matched my Option for build and sturdiness. I've had three now and I'm not going to look around anymore. It is the best for me. I am very happy with Option.

What you really need to decide is your riding style. For me, the stiffer the gear the better and that includes bindings. I've got the Burton Carbon bindings (I know I've just said they were shit but sometimes you have to eat your words!). They are as stiff as you can get which gives you ultimate feel and control. If you want to do park, then that set up is definitely not for you. They will break your ankles!! If I were starting out, I would go for a slightly more forgiving binding with a bit of flex. I don't think there is too much science to the whole thing. It's just about build quality, ease of use, stiff or flexible when it comes to bindings. Go with a reliable name, decide on how stiff you want them and make sure they're easy to use with you frozen fingers and you should be fine.

Enjoy your riding!

Why do you dumb mother fuckers respond to douchebags asking stupid questions that belong in tech talk? You're as bad as the idiot asking them.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BlurredElevens

Why do you dumb mother fuckers respond to douchebags asking stupid questions that belong in tech talk? You're as bad as the idiot asking them.

---

Probably for the same reason you feel the need to drop your oh so vast vat of kaknowledge in this here thread.

The Neversummer Legacy board looks really nice, and has a lot of great reviews. That one is on the top of my list for now. Thanks for the help, and sorry if I posted in the wrong forum, I just joined rececntly and saw the ski/snowboard section and thought it would be the best place to post.

I'm about 195lbs and ride a couple of 163 Legacies. Great board. I've never felt the need to go any longer. A while back I remember reading that big mountain Jermey Jones rode a 162 for everything(might not anymore). The lentgh/stability connection for boards isn't as clear as it is for skis. I've never wanted anything longer but have often wanted a shorter play board.

Salomons are great boots but they don't fit my feet. For me I like in order, Northwave, 32, Burton.

Burton bindings fit very well but break all the time. I would stay away from them. I've had very good luck with Union bindings.

I am 185lbs - about your size.

Been riding a K2 Ambush 169. Willing to sell - seeing I have been on the skis pretty much every day the past season. 15 days on it, $200. Great condition.

Regardless, I would go in the mid to high 160s - if you are used to snow riding of any sort, and think you will want to go fast or hit steeps. Unless you do not like to really lean into you turns - I guess it depnds how much you like to power your stick up.

>Jermey Jones rode a 162

If I regularly rode variable snow at 50+ then I would use a pipe board, not a longer gunny board.

J.Jonse's descents are incredible yes, but there are some times when he appears to be flapping a bit on his ultra fast runouts, looks too fast for the board. He throws some great sequences of tight and hooky speed-control turning in the super steeps and a short board would be good for that...but would let you down if you open it up on less steep. I'll get shot for this.

I would get a pair of solomon boots, Burton p1 bindings(great all around bindings if they aren't broken), and a Never Summer or Arbor board, and your set. I would get a good board at the getgo, since snowboarding takes so much less time to progress to where you can reap the benifits of a high end board.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hohes

>Jermey Jones rode a 162

If I regularly rode variable snow at 50+ then I would use a pipe board, not a longer gunny board.

J.Jonse's descents are incredible yes, but there are some times when he appears to be flapping a bit on his ultra fast runouts, looks too fast for the board. He throws some great sequences of tight and hooky speed-control turning in the super steeps and a short board would be good for that...but would let you down if you open it up on less steep. I'll get shot for this.

---

Definitely agree with you there. A shorter board is better on really steep terrain and obviously tight terrain. It's much easier to make turns. I ride a 169 and have caught the tail on jump turns on 48 degrees and would have liked a smaller board in those situations. Why would you get shot for that? Was a good comment.

People mentioning sticks as big as 167-169 for you here is ridiculous, as you are a beginner, you are going to ride all mountain, and you weigh the same as I.

I think you should look into Unity and their wide models. Either the Pride 160 if you are going more freeride oriented, or the Origin 160 if you are planning on heading to the park every once in a while. The Pride, unfortunately, has not been tested by me yet, but I own two Origins - a 160 and a 164, and I love them. I do have friends who´ve demoed and loved the Pride, so I´m just going to say that´s a great snowboard too. You don´t need any longer than a 160. At all. Forget that height thing.

Almost forgot I should give you some sort of a review on my Origin(s).
It has high torsional rigidity, but is somewhat softer longitudinal, stable like all hell at speed, easy to ride switch(duh- It´s a true twin), doable on rails, crud crushing (damp), yet springy ("poppy" in everyday snowboarding terms). They have a 2 year warranty, but honestly, I can´t for the life of me seem to think I can break one. Solid stuff, built in CO. It probably retails for 450-480 USD, but look around for closeouts. Both the 05/06 and the 06/07 versions are good. The 07/08 has a thinner core, so it is supposed to be a bit lighter and more flexible. By the way. 160 Origins have 26 cm waist widths, while the 160 Prides have a 26.1 cm waist widths. Both have deep enough sidecuts to allow for size 12 boots.
www.unitysnowboards.com

Bindings for that death plank: Union Forces, costing 199 USD, should fit your bill. Responsive, yet tweakable and forgiving. Quality workmanship. The L/XL has a pretty wide heelcup, which should cater nicely to your twelves.
www.unionbindingcompany.com

Boots: I´m not gonna give you boot recommendations, as your foot is probably different from mine. Many of the previous posters here have mentioned good manufacturers, though.

32, Vans, Salomon, Nitro and Deeluxe are all reputable, quality bootmakers. Spend your money here before dropping tons on board and bindings.

Thanks for the help:smile: I think I have some really solid boards and bindings to check out. I live about 45 mins away from Los Angeles and the Ski Dazzle show is going to be there at the end of Nov., has anyone been and can you find boards and bindings from Arbor, Neversummer, Union, etc at the show? Are there good deals to be found at Ski Dazzle?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sufferfest

Definitely agree with you there. A shorter board is better on really steep terrain and obviously tight terrain. It's much easier to make turns. I ride a 169 and have caught the tail on jump turns on 48 degrees and would have liked a smaller board in those situations. Why would you get shot for that? Was a good comment.

---

That sounds like a technique problem on your end. The only people I see doing jump turns on really steep terrain are people that have never learned the proper technique for turning a board on that steep of a slope. Not saying you are a beginner or anything because 48degrees is fucking steep as hell, but perhaps no one ever showed ya how to do it right?

You should be tipping the nose down the fall line and sweeping or rolling the board around, not trying to jump it. Jumping on terrain like that can be dangerous because it can easily cause a lost edge due to the sudden increased load on the board (especially if it is hard/icy snow). You do it right and your board length really shouldn't matter except that a long board gives you more edge control. I know I'm not describing the technique very well, but sit and watch some big mtn snowboard vids (just finished warren miller's 'ride' which was excellent and tons of snowboarding). In the vids, you will see what i'm talking about with pointing down the fall line and sweeping the tail around. The only time you should have to jump it is if it is too tight to slide your board around

Watch this video from the 2 minute mark and it will show you both from a outside shot and a helmet cam shot exactly what I'm talking about. Note how he directs the board down the fall line, then sweeps the tail around..

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DBRgoneMBR

Thanks for the help:smile: I think I have some really solid boards and bindings to check out. I live about 45 mins away from Los Angeles and the Ski Dazzle show is going to be there at the end of Nov., has anyone been and can you find boards and bindings from Arbor, Neversummer, Union, etc at the show? Are there good deals to be found at Ski Dazzle?

---

Bump for the ski dazzle ?^

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DBRgoneMBR

Bump for the ski dazzle ?^

---

never heard of it...but NS, Arbor, Union...they are board companies that only make boards and not bindings. Stick with Burton P1's, Some Salomons, or some Rides for bindings.

WHY DO YOU STUPID MOTHERFUCKERS KEEP DISCUSSING THIS HERE?!

WE HAVE A FORUM CALLED TECH TALK


USE IT YOU STUPID FUCKS BEFORE I DOUCHE THIS ONE OUT WITH GOATSE.












DUMB FUCKING JONGS

^^^^

DO IT! DO IT! !DO IT! DO IT! !DO IT! DO IT!! DO IT! DO IT!! DO IT! DO IT!!DO IT! DO IT!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by shmoesmith

never heard of it...but NS, Arbor, Union...they are board companies that only make boards and not bindings. Stick with Burton P1's, Some Salomons, or some Rides for bindings.

---

I was referring to Union bindings, sorry for the confusion.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BlurredElevens

WHY DO YOU STUPID MOTHERFUCKERS KEEP DISCUSSING THIS HERE?!

WE HAVE A FORUM CALLED TECH TALK


USE IT YOU STUPID FUCKS BEFORE I DOUCHE THIS ONE OUT WITH GOATSE.












DUMB FUCKING JONGS

---

Because like you I love to piss off internet dorks:the_finge

My computer's broken. Can someone help?

Did skiing already print that story???

WTF is up with all these two month jongs cunting up ski/snowboard

TECH Talk bitches