how do you tell if a board is the right length for you?

[Chris2498]

When I first bought my board which I guess is a freestyle board I was told make sure it comes up to your chin and that should be the right length. Now for a alpine board how do you go about getting the right length? I am about 6ft 180 and was thinking of getting like a 178 or 180 would that be to long? I have been trying to read everyones post here and read as much as possible to learn more about the alpine boards but still don't really know much. I have pretty much narrowed it down to a volkl rentiger or the Donek freecarve. Can you tell me will a donek race board be a hole lot harder to learn on then a freecarve board? I have also read like a race board won't last very long I don't know if that meant it will break in half or what?

Chris

[Derf]

If this is your first time trying hardboots, 178 or 180 may be a bit long. For your height and weight, I would say 170-175 is a good place to begin. If you have the money for Volkl or Donek Freecarve, than go for it. I have never tried either, but read lots of good thing s on them. As for race board, I would think people would say they don't last as long because racers beat them up, but I think they last just as long for regular use. But I also think race board are stiffer and less forgiving, so it might not be the best place to start, but you can if you want. It just might be a little longer before you get the hang of it, but in the end, the important is to have fun on hardboots and not to discourage yourself

Good luck.

Derf

[Jack Michaud]

Welcome Center (http://www.bomberonline.com/articles/welcome_center.cfm)

and,

How to Buy an Alpine Snowboard (http://www.bomberonline.com/articles/how_to_buy_snowboard.cfm)

[Mike T]

Derf mentioned the Donek FC as a good first alpine board. My first board (not counting a Liquid SL 159 I rode twice and got rid of because it was way too stiff for me to bend) was a Donek FC 163 and it treated me very well.

Many more experienced riders rave about the edge hold of these boards... I, as a less experienced rider, found it to be a bit stiff on ice but just what I wanted in good snow. The 163 has a 10 m radius which means *tight* turns. I think I would have enjopyed the board even more in Colorado snow than Mt Hood snow which can be, er, very fickle.

I also have the Axis 172, and now a Coiler PR 184. I wound up selling the Freecarve because the Axis was better in variable conditions and I like being on something longer when the grooming is good.

Perhaps some of the other riders who have more experience on other boards will have some more economic recommendations... keep in mind Doneks have good resale value.

[Randy S.]

How to measure yourself for a board: Raise your arm straight above your head and measure from the point where your wrist bends to the floor. This will give you a good size to ride. :D Really! It worked for our parents when they were measuring for skis, why not for us? Seriously though, I actually have and ride a board this long. It is great and a lot of fun, but here's my real answer:

Either of those boards should be good. Donek race boards don't break (easily) so I wouldn't shy away from that necessarily. Since you are in Colorado, you might want to demo one or two from Sean. Just call him up and ask what he'd recommend.

I have a Volkl RT SL163 and its a great board. I only really ride it for SL events since I like longer boards. I'm 5'10" and 195lbs and ride a Freecarve I, 171 as my everyday board. I'd guess that anywhere in the 170-185 size range would work for you. If you can go demo some stuff from Donek, you'll be in great shape. IMO, you can't go wrong with one of their boards and as another poster pointed out, they have great resale value here on BOL.

[C5 Golfer]

Rode many -- My suggestion for a first borad for your size and desires.. a Volkl 173 RT. Can't go wrong. Pleasant ride - forgiving and a lot of fun. It can take a beating and keep on ticking and it will carve as hard you push it. Once you ride it you'll also want its bigger brother the 178 also a wonderful board. I have both of these and ride them a lot - and no I do not want to sell.
Good luck
Al;)

[philfell]

When looking into buying an alpine board, decide what type of turns you want to do first. This is most important bigger boards make bigger turns and smaller boards make smaller turns. You usually adjust the boards flex to fit your weight, ability, and style. This is greatly simplified, but think about what type of riding you'll be doing most of.

Personally I don't think a 178 is too big for someone your height and weight, but without knowing your ability I can't say for sure. I have a 15 year old athlete that weighs 100 pounds race G.S. on a 178.

If you don't have any hardboot experience get the freecarve model first it will be easier to learn on and you will always find places to ride it no matter how good you get.

[Chris2498]

Thank you for the post. I would like to make big wide and long turns and mainly just want to haul a** and get my face as close to the ground as possible. I have only been boarding about 6 months now and have seen these boards on the mountain and just want to give it a try. I have a 161 and I just don't think I would want a 165 alpine board it seems like it would be to short.
I have read different post on here about the Volkl rentiger about how the binding screws tend to strip out so that has me scared there. I have read such great things about the donek freecarve boards and all but my main concern was the length. I have never been in a hardboot before but I don't care I'm determined to learn to alpine board. Thank you for the post I'm gonna keep riding. Ihave about another 3 months or so till I buy an alpine board.

Chris

[C5 Golfer]

Originally posted by Chris2498
Thank like it would be to short.
I have read different post on here about the Volkl rentiger about how the binding screws tend to strip out so that has me scared there. I have read such great things about the donek freecarve boards and
Chris

Chris - I have had many Volkls and have never stripped or turned a nut in any of them. I would not be too concerned here. As with any board - always check thread length when mounting your bindings- thread engagement should be around or equal to its diameter minimum and never bottom out at the other end of measurement. I have used only TD 1 and TD 2s if you are curious to my binding experience.

[Chris2498]

thanks C5 I have read a good bit on bindings already and I think I will get the Catek standard bindings rather then the step ins. Now for boots I have no idea.

Chris