Looking At Prior 4x4 174 or 179

[garyj]

I am considering the Prior 4x4 174 or 179 for my next all mountain ride. Has anyone had experience with this board? Is is better to go longer? I would appreciate your $.02 worth.

Thanks.

[JoelP]

I picked up a 179 and love it. It is a great all mtn board. I am only 165# but for where I live (Aspen) it works great. My runs are failry wide open so that is why I picked up the 179. It can still handle some fair amounts of speed. It still turns on a dime so in a crowd I would not have any problems with it. For big mtn powder it does really well too. The only reason for me to have downsized would of been tree riding but I have other boards for that.

Pending your size I think that most can easily handle the 179 in most conditons. If you are at all leary just because of turn shapes...no worries...the 179 turns as hard and as tight as you may want.

Joel

[skategoat]

I have a 174 and I really like it. Forgiving and able to handle most conditions. I only tried a narrow race board once and I didn't like the way it locked me into a carve. I guess it takes getting used to. About the only complaint I have is the chatter I get in rough conditions.

[garyj]

Thanks for the insight guys. I contacted Dean at Prior today and after talking with him about the board I decided on the 174 mainly because the board will be ridden in the trees occasionally. I'm looking forward giving it a try hopefully next week. :)