the boards that are/was the best

[bobdea]

had this same thread before here but why not start a updated one
my favorites in order
1,coiler custom PR 190 damp, super edge hold and when really pressed real hard enough pop for anyone to get a little air between carves the ultimate freecarve weapon here in the east it almost has too much grab on ice when sharpend correctly
2,sims burner 188/197 split tail heaven 188 does it all with some input and is easy to ride for such a big board the 197 comes out only when you want to go fast and make those BIG turns requires lots of input at lower speeds but is a joy and a challege to ride to bad sims bailed on the alpine market and these boards did break alot
3, burton speed/FP 178 good freecarve toy not to stiff but not soft either really easy to ride the 184 was good too both did it all and really served me quite well and I prefered these over the popular decks of the day such as oxygen protons, f2 speedsters and rossi throttle
4 rossi WC 185 good board much better than the older foam core rossi decks the WC had wood and foam this board really was great in the perfect conditions slightly soft cordury but some days it felt like the wrong board in particular if the snow was too soft
5 donek axis not really my type of board but it was a totally sick board to ride like a freeride deck in hardboots go in the woods in the bumps in the powder whatever it will do it
doesnt really carve as well as a race deck and is a tad soft but its not a race deck nor is it intended to be a board to haul ass so its okay its a board that feels very alive underfoot

softboot setups
1, burton canyon 173 did everything well and went everywhere that board took the best beating of any board I have ever seen and stayed in one peice it was great
2, ride ride series 164 indestructable and for its time 1994 I think it was quite a good turner
3 donek sasquatch 170 great at speed and the the width makes it great in powder its too stiff for some uses but overall its great when I REALLY beat on it I suspect I will like it better once it softens up a bit at

[bobdea]

and I might change my mind in ten minutes

[AlpentalRider]

I haven't had enough variety on Alpine boards so I can't really give an opinion (although I love the Burton Speed 168).

But for softboot setup, the Burton Johan 163 is one great advanced rider board. Excellent stiffness and edgehold, as well as great feel and control. You can take this thing on boilerplate and carve it up, hit the jumps and rails and stick your landings, and then head to the powder and freecarve till your heart's content. This board is not for beginners, but if your and advanced rider, it's the perfect backcountry board.

[philw]

A slalom board from about 1994, just when symetrical race boards and "the new race method" with forward facing stance was taking off. Well at least it was here.

They changed the design a few times, but the original had red/white graphics and a black base. Perfect flex design for my weight.

[Tommy D]

As the resident Volkl snob, I have to cast my vote for the RennTiger SL.

Here's why:


It has lots of energy.
It will carve short to medium turns very well.
It pops from turn to turn when desired.
Edge hold is impeccable, especially on ice.
It is the only type of alpine board I have ever ridden. :)


I have to say that I am impressed with my girl's Ride Fuel. It seems to be a rather nimble board suited to a range of conditions, including some softie carving.

[stoked]

yellow factory prime good Nidecker extreme not that good and hopefully Hot Blast very good for the next season

[Mike T]

My sample size is way too small, but I have two favorites: Coiler PR 184, Donek CMC 186.

Of course that may change this winter, I have a Madd 170 coming as well as some other goodies....

[Rambo]

coiler pr 184 with all the goodies
coiler am 172

[ncermak]

always loved my Volkl RT 168SL (Still Regret selling it)
still love the Rossi WC 184 (but would love to ride some other boards that big)
and can't wait to get my MADD 158....

[Jack Michaud]

For years I compared the measurements of every new board I thought I might like to buy to my old Safari Comp II. That was a breakthrough board for me. My next breakthrough board was a '95 Burton FP157, after riding two asyms.

But my favorite carving board of all time was my Donek 186. I came to Donek after trying the 171fcII, which is a fabulous do-almost-everything board that carves like crazy. But time marches on and I want something new, so it's on to the Madd 170, which I really liked at the ECES demo. It made me say "I gotta get me one of these!" I was also really impressed by the Prior WCR181 - great board, a perfect balance between the 170 and 186. I'd have a lot of boards if I rode all the time, but I don't, so I can only have one. The Prior would probably be the more rational choice for a one-board quiver, but I like switching to boards that are a lot different than what I'm used to.
-Jack

ps - haven't tried a Coiler... yet.

[nekdut]

Doneks are great, and Burtons get the job done adequately, but nothing has topped the Madd 168 prototype I rode a little while back. Extremely stiff and damp, a wonderful ride. I can't wait until the "new" Madds arrive :D

I need to get on a Coiler one of these days too. I might just spring for an AM come this season.

[bobdea]

just the idea that I put it above my beloved burners speaks for its self I guess
I would really love to get on a longish Donek say 180 to 195 anyone who wants to do a board swap for a day @ telluride this winter let me know
I will let you ride your choice of these donek sasquatch, madd 170, coiler PR 190 20.5 waist, coiler 172 thats a custom as well SL sidecut and flex all mountain nose and tail 20 waist cant wait untill that one arrives

[outsider]

i will take my Hot Blast GS any day of the week. The board seems to be the perfect match for me for a few reasons:

1. The Pop- Gives me the flight I crave on a good edge change, and can send you sailing over knolls like an eagle off a mountain top

2. The Flex- The flex is consistant throughout almost the entire board

3. The Edge Hold & Dampening- You have to realy work to get edge chatter on that board

[k_t]

Originally posted by Tim Tuthill
OK, Time for an old guy to chime in!!

Old guys can rock too ya know.

1: my Coiler ('s soon)
2: my Sims Burners
3: did like the ride of the MADD (do not own one.....yet)

kt

[stoked]

My sample size is way too small too and the americans are not available here so I'll get one of those HOT Blasts for next season - the board I started with was a totally perfect Hooger Booger Booster 157 or 159 asy which I have sold unfortunately to an ungrateful b$&§% well I guess it's gone :)

[terekhov]

and here comment from siberia:
after hot (my former ride - blast 176), oxygen (tried, really nice) and f2 (too sporty to my liking) my beloved gs-style ride now is volant excel 173gs (15m sidecut). smothest speedster at any snow condition (from mid-siberian soft to baikal's hard slopes).
steel laminate works so nice that now when i test my friends boards - i'm always miss this brilliancy.
wanna add some fc donek to my quiver (~180, 13m sidecut, aross fc?).

[Baka Dasai]

Originally posted by terekhov
wanna add some fc donek to my quiver (~180, 13m sidecut, aross fc?). <p>There's a Donek 177 Freecarve with a 12.7 m radius and 19.5 cm waist that is not yet listed on the Donek website. That sounds pretty close.

[nekdut]

Baka,

That Donek sure sounds like a nice ride. I've wanted something with a bigger radius than the FC 171/179, and my 179 is sometimes a bit too hooky for me. Do you know the stiffness index on it?

[Baka Dasai]

I don't know the exact number, but it should be similar to the FC 171.

[chillaxin.nl]

I own several different brands of boards, so i have had plenty time to compair. My all time favorite:

1) Nitro CAM
2) Virus Predator Custom
3) Hot blast
4) Oxygen Proton

[Lee]

My first board was an Oxygen Kr52 Goofy asy... it was ok..
Then i bought a F2 GTS 154... nice
Next up... 2001.. a Burton FP 162... which was my fav.
same year, a F2 Silberpfeil 162 with conshox... hmmmm
2003-04 Hot Blast 153 Japan model... very nice... but to short
2003-04 Nidecker Tornado GS 168.... Super.. i sold it... stupid!
2004 Hot Blast 160 04/05 test model... my new favorite

i ordered a Hot Blast 160 and a 167
the 167 specs looks perfect on paper... for funcarving
the 160 for Slalom races

[Donek]

Model: 04beck177fc
Length: 177cm
Effective Edge: 161cm
sidecut Radius: 12.7m
Waist Width: 19.5
Stiffness Index: 7.45

If you'd like the full updated list for this season, just send me an e-mail.

[LeeW]

Originally posted by ncermak
always loved my Volkl RT 168SL (Still Regret selling it)
still love the Rossi WC 184 (but would love to ride some other boards that big)
and can't wait to get my MADD 158....

Looks like we got something in common:
Madd 158 (as well as 170)
Rossi WC 184
Lib Tech Emma Peel 157/159

[ARCrider]

haven't been riding for too many years but have managed to add one board per year to the quiver.

first hardboot experience on a borrowed Burton FP
was hooked and bought my own gear after an exhaustive phone search of southern ontario uncovered an ultra prime on sale
then a Nitro GT for something longer
onto Coiler products now
happy owner of three different Coilers
184PR
188PR
and my new favourite the 172AM

I've kept all my boards and loan them to carver wannabes whenever I can.

[surphadude]

So there is a Madd 158 and 170 for sale on an ebay store for 750 bucks each. Aren't these boards extremely coveted, what's the deal?

[nekdut]

surphadude,

They ARE coveted. These are either demos (from ECES) or this ebay bid would place an order for the Sept 30th delivery that some of us are getting. However, those of us who preordered got ours for a bit less. Either way, Madds are worth the going rate. These legendary boards are worth the dough. I know you're starting off with that rossi, but if you really want to step up to the best freecarve/freerace boards out there, get yourself a MADD. :D

[bobdea]

if you have the money
wont let you down
I bought one cant wait to ride it

[skategoat]

Don't shoot me but the nicest board I have ever ridden is a borrowed Swoard 175 stiff. It really elevated my riding. Very stable.

Next favourite is my Volkl Spline 168 which I rediscovered late last season. I find it a blast in the bumps and crowded Eastern slopes.

Gotta try a Coiler this season.