What snowboard would you suggest for me?

Question

I am 5'10" and weigh about 135lbs. I am an experienced rider (10 years) and i need a new board. I am on ski patrol and for the things that i do I need to be able to carve turns and hold the edge all the way through the turn especially in icy conditions. I generally ride on pretty icy or sometimes groomed, moguled, or glades trails. I currently ride an Avalanche 150 prop board but continue to be told that i need a more light weight, flexible board, maybe longer board. Is there a specific board anyone could suggest to me or a better idea on a more flexible board taking into consideration what i must do?

Answer 1

I would say that your current 150cm is about the right size - it is based on your weight more than height and the other suggestions are too long. Maybe a little longer for the All Mountain / Freeride situations you usually face, but not 157 - that board is for someone much heavier than you. Try this:

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

Lightweight is always a good thing, but I would be careful about getting a more flexible board. My soft board chatters a lot in turns especially on icy conditions - most people usually suggest a stiffer board for those conditions. Usually the Freestyle / park riders are the ones using the really flexible boards.

As a general rule, as a Freeride snowboarder gets better they will get a little longer board that is slightly stiffer.

Good Luck

Answer 2

Lib-Tech has mange-traction which I've heard is a dream for icy conditions. It's edge is wavy instead of the traditional curve, which allows a better edge hold. I'm not sure which ones, but there are a few other brands that also have the tech on their boards.

5'10" and riding a 150? I'm 5'8" and I ride a 155. You definitely need a longer board. From what I'm reading, it's a freestyle board so you don't need a softer board for what you're riding. A more flexible board would be a park board, and you didn't say that you needed one of those.

You never said what boot size you wear.

If you want a Burton, I'd recommend a Custom or Custom X. Everybody who rides them loves them. Or try a board with Magne-Traction.

I'd recommend probably around the 157 or above range.

Answer 3

I wouldent necessarily recommend a more flexaxble board as such You would be better off with a longer board though around a 155 would be a good size for you. Most boards will perform ok in icey conditions but if your board is on the small side for your weight like yours is, it will affect your handling at high speeds and you will get alot of chatter when riding fast. You should go for an all mountain board some good ones you should check out are Rome Vinyl, Burton Feelgood, Option Paloma, K2 Duchess, Nidecker Divine, Gnu B- Nice, Atomic Polarity, Sapient PNB3, Good luck with the riding.

Answer 4

Burton's are excellent. You can try "failedskateboards.com" for a customized board.

Answer 5

get a magnatraction board, i have one and its great for ice.