Advice needed re upgrading my equipment!

[vitger]

Hi guys!
I've been snowboarding for the past 14 years now although I am still splitting up most of my days between skiing and snowboarding and not having too many days on the snow per season. I consider myself pretty good so thought about upgrading my pretty basic equipment. I have an old (quite wide) board 162 cm and was wondering if I should go for a 170 or a 178 cm carver? I think I pretty much have "outgrown" this one. I also like to hit the powder whenever I have the chance (not too often) so I imagine a little longer board wouldn't hurt.
Now I am 5'10 and 160 pounds the skinny type. Which size do you more experienced guys recommend?
Thanks in advance
BG

[D-Sub]

hey, check out my thread that I just started. there will be some good advice. (already is)

since youre smaller, you can get on a slightly smaller board and have fun

if you want to ride in all conditions you probably want an all mountain or "freecarve" board.

after someone suggested PRIOR boards, I took a look. They make one called a 4X4 that is designed to go pretty much anywhere.

COILER has an all-purpose model as well. cant remember the name.

also, keep in mind that a good freeride board (or ...now they have "BX" models) with plates and hardboots might suit you well also.

heh. look at the newbie layin down advice:)

[Jim Callen]

The board I learned to carve on was a boardercross board. An oxygen SX 157, to be exact. Very forgiving, all-mountain board. I used it with soft boots, but it works well with hard boots as well. It's also got enough of a nose to be able to handle powder. I also happen to be selling it for $175. It's been used a total of about 24 times, and is in good condition.

Jim

[vitger]

Thanks guys,
Currently I am looking at the Oxygens on Ebay, so far seem to be a good deal. Any opinion on those?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3664761368&category=21250&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBWA%3AIT&rd=1

[D-Sub]

yeah, I have an opinion. stay away from the 178:)

[vitger]

I assume that's too big for me? :confused:

[D-Sub]

yup, its too big for you

;)

you know...you should really read all the tech articles that Michaud and others have written, accessible from the bomber front page.

probably prove to be very helpful in your decision.

[vitger]

and you're looking at it as well... I see!;)

[D-Sub]

the guy has a pretty long list of boards for sale, so I think theres room for both of us

he has a couple 170s and 172s as well.

seriously, read those articles to help with your decision

[gawdzira]

I started on a carving set up last year after 10 years of riding softies at high angles. I was riding a freeride 163 board mostly and then started riding a 169 carving board that is on the softer and more forgiving side for carving boards (Burton Alps). Then I demoed a Donek fc11 I think it was a 171). The size difference was not that great but the stiffness was extreme. Be careful in buying your first carving board. I am not trying to buy that Oxygen but I would caution you against trying to hop on a 178 right out of the gate. You can still do graceful carving on a shorter board, it is just easier to do it.

I ended up finding a Nidecker 161 slalom board that I am just starting to be able to make some use out of. I really like the short board.

One thing that you can be sure of, if you buy a board and out grow it, you have a captive audience for resale here on Bomber.

alan

[vitger]

Thanks for the advise! Yeah, pretty soon my babies will be here up for grabs!

[vitger]

How about these babies?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3664795754&category=21250

Would they qualify as all mountain or what? They seem a bit too wide and short for me...:confused:

[D-Sub]

you said youre 5'10" and how heavy? 168 isnt exactly short...

might be a good all around, and if the bidding stays cheap...wont kill ya if it doesnt work out, ya know?

[Jim Callen]

I am 5'5", and I weigh 165 lbs. I ride an Oxygen Proton 178, and I love it. Incredible board. That, and it's my first carving board. I wouldn't go any shorter right now.

Jim

[vitger]

Hey Jim, it's nice to see a local here! Ever going to Holimont or Whiteface? Drop me an email if you did: vitger@hotmail.com
Thanks