F2 Speedster RS vs. Nidecker SL

[marc_delarche]

Hi,

I am looking into buying my first hardboot board. I have been riding softboot for a long time.
I weight 160lb.
I will be riding groomers and ice here in the East (QC).
I would like to be able to ride the narrower ski slopes, not just the super wide main slope of the resort.
I have a nice softboot setup already so I don't need something too "all-around" or "do-it-all".

I am hesitating between:
F2 Speedster RS 169
and
Nidecker SL 158

Maybe neither is suited to my needs...let me know.
Thanks for helping me out!

Marc

[BlueB]

This should be really in the main forum, as it is an inquiry, not a review. You'd get more exposure there. You could ask Jack to move it...

Other then that, those 2 are very different boards. One is a "baby" GS, the other one SL board. How narrow is the narrow slope? Mybe SL if really narrow...
How big are your boots?

[marc_delarche]

I guess I will have to decide between slalom or GS board.
What do you mean by "baby" GS? Is there a good reason for picking a GS board shorter than normal?

I haven't bought boots yet but my usual size is 10.5.

Here are the boards specs:
Nidecker SL 158
effective edge 1380
radius 8600
waist 196

F2 Speedster RS 169
effective edge 1580
radius 14m
waist 189

Thanks for your help!

[kieran]

no option for an f2 speedster sl?

[marc_delarche]

No, the Speedster RS is the only one available at the local shop...but nothing forces me to buy a brand new board there.

If I should go with a GS board, which length should I consider buying? I weight 160lb.

Thanks!

[gawdzira]

I have a Nidecker SL but I think it is a 163. This is the first alpine board I have ridden (with the small exception of my first board which is a Burton Alps that I barely rode before buying the Nidecker).

I rode soft boots with high angles for a long time. I found by starting alpine on a relatively short board it was much easier to get the hang of it. I also really like having a short radius board to be able to navigate crowded slopes better.

I bought my board through the classified on this site (brand new a few years old).

Good luck in your decision.

[philw]

I'd try riding different style boards.

Personally I have large (GS) boards and I don't use 'em because in practice at resorts it's hard to ride quick enough, hence I mostly ride slalom boards. You can still be pretty much the fastest on any mountain with features on it and you don't have to be riding Mach 2 to have fun. I have an old Speedster SL you could try but it's here and you're there so that is not hugely useful.

[Puddy Tat]

No, the Speedster RS is the only one available at the local shop...but nothing forces me to buy a brand new board there.

If I should go with a GS board, which length should I consider buying? I weight 160lb.

Thanks!

Why don't you talk to Dave and Andrea at YYZCanuck (www.yyzcanuck.com) they are based out of Toronto and can supply you with F2 boards, bindings, etc...

Dave