What is the best (snow) board for me?

Question

I have big feet (12) so I am looking at something wide (is that reasonable? should i be worried about toe and heel drag?) and I'm about 5' 11" but i wasn't sure what length would be 'best'. 160-166? (which is easist for learners/beginers, i lost rode 2 years ago then i grew out of my board, so i need to relearn...)

These are some of the brands i was looking at:
DUB
Lamar
M3
Flow
Silence
Avalanche
Head
LTD
Marrow
Stroke
Which is the best quality? or the best deal? (favorites?)

This is my first board that i am buying so i need to get an idea of what is good and what is 'OK'.

I would appreciate any input that would help give me any idea of what i should be looking for. Is there anything that i should watch out for?

What controles the camber of the board? is it a trivial feature or does it matter if a board had more or less?

Answer 1

For size, a general rule is between your chin and nose, but that is just a general rule if you are height / weight proportionate. More correctly, it depends on your weight and what kind of riding you are going to do.

Most manufacturers list weight ranges for each size within a particular model so check those when shopping for a new board. Where do you like to ride? A shorter board will be easier to make quick turns in the park but won't ride as nice at higher speeds out on the runs.

Try this great snowboard size calculator on the web that also gives recommendations:

http://www.frostyrider.com/tips/size-guide.htm

I would stay away from Morrow boards - they are low end. My favorites are K2 and Ride. A guess for your height (not knowing your weight) would be a 158cm board - maybe a little longer if you are not going to be riding in the park.

Since you have size 12, you will probably need a "wide" board - you don't want your toes and heels to drag when turning. When choosing a board, put your boots on the board and see how far they hang over. You can get bindings with "lifters" built in that lift your boot higher off the board and prevent your boot from touching in most conditions.

Good Luck

Answer 2

I'm a personal fan of NItro snowboards. They make some very technical boards that hold up well. I've had their bottom of the line girl's board for 3 seasons (40-60 days/nights per season) and it is still a good board. It isn't delaminating anywhere and still looks pretty decent. I just wanted a new board this season. So check out their boards. The Revolt is a good all mountain board that comes in wide width for larger feet. A 159 looks about right for your height, but check the height/weight chart.

I don't think you can go wrong with a Nitro board and if you look for last season's boards it won't be too expensive. And remember, in life, you usually get what you pay for so don't go too cheap.

Answer 3

Look at Nitro or Santa Cruz. I ride boards from both companies and have a size 13 foot. I ride a 156 or 159 and I'm 6'1" I learned on a Nitro Target Repeat Wide board.

Answer 4

You don't necessarily have to get a wide board. A pair of risers can save you a few hundred bucks. Risers give you about 1 inch of clearance w/o putting a cramp your handles. They usually run from 20 to 150 bucks.

Answer 5

get a wide capita 156