Need help looking for a new all-ride midwide snowboard setup for an intermediate/advance rider?

Question

I am looking for a new setup as I now feel that my cheapo board is holding me back from taking me to the next level.

Im an intermediate transitioning to advance freerider.
I am a begineer freestyler.
I plan to do 85% freeriding / 15% learning in terrain park

I want to go faster while staying stable. Moguls are fun too.
I only plan to stay in the beginner level park and do jumps & boxes. Maybe rails but never any big air jumps.

I am 6ft, 185-195lbs (weight fluncuates lol), with size 12 shoes.

Only brand I am familiar with so far is Ride, and it looks like the Ride Decade 162W is the best choice for me, but even that might be too wide for me at 263m?

I am in need of suggestions of other makes/models. Also with bindings but I haven't really looked into that.

I don't have of load of cash, but would be willing to spend a lil decent amount of money. ~$500 for board/bindings/shoes enough?

Im coming from a Lamar Quest board & my bro's Ride Control. (both too slow!!!)

Answer 1

The Ride Decade is a very good board but as you are looking for an intermediate/advanced type board it might not be progressive enough for you. Other Wide boards worth a look are the Burton Royale, Burton Baron and Ride Yukon all these boards are all mountain boards so they are good for both freeride and freestyle. You mentioned also that a wide board you were looking at might be too wide for you, it might be worth looking at some midwide boards also like the K2 Nemisis, Salamon Patrol, Arbor roundhouse and Option Sansolone.

Answer 2

I'm about the same size as you, I have the Ride Decade from last year, it's a 165 wide, really good board, for all moutain. I ride it in the park, good for big air, boxes, and it spins ok too if you want to learn rotation. For cruising it's quite stable at break neck speeds, and I recently tried a few gates on a slalom course and it was quick edge to edge( buy a cheap edge tool to keep the edges sharp). If you're not anticipating getting stoked on park riding, I recommend the Decade. As for boots/bindings just get something that is comfortable, and ask how they will be when worn for a season or two.

Answer 3

I got an Empire Crest 163cm board for a friend of mine last year. It's a relatively cheap board at $300.00 but can be found on eBay brand new in shrink wrap at a discounted price of $99.95 (buy it now price). It's a quick board and a pretty smooth ride. I also found a set of men's X - Large Ride SL snowboard bindings brand new on eBay but it's an auction with no buy it now price. The bidding starts a $19.00. Keep in mind, the board and bindings do have a shipping price as well.

Answer 4

i don't really have any suggestions on a new board, but my advice is keep your "cheapo" board for the park so you can crap it up on the rails and boxes. that way you won't wreck your new board and get scratches on the bottom and dings on its rails. That said, i'd suggest getting a new board that is purely made for freeriding.

Answer 5

The nitro MFM pro model would be really good..a couple of my kids from my local snowboard team got it this year and that boards design made them a lot better...i couldnt believe it...it also looks really sweet.