Opinions... everyone has one (on Kessler)

[Mellow Yellow]

So if you could choose any stock Kessler board, which would you choose and why?

http://www.kessler-swiss.com/en-US/products/snowboard

and for flavor... here is your current ridable quiver... oh.... and you ride small hills in NC

170 Madd (2004ish/glass)
171 Coiler Schtub (2008/metal)
176 F2 Speedster RS (2001ish/glass)
181 Prior WCR (2004ish/glass)

[andy_1]

I would easily say the 168 "all around". Its the most versatile board in my quiver by far. I currently own kesslers in 168, 171, 180. I find myself riding the 168 more than any other board. It is extremely versatile in turn shape. However, it definitely has an upper speed limit short of the 180.

[Stef1]

If you're limiting yourself to the stock boards and not taking into account your existing quiver, I would go for the 168. Whatever you do, don't ignore the weight ranges associated with the boards - the 168 is the all-rounder so has a broad weight range but If you choose a slalom or GS board, pick the one that corresponds to your weight.

Looking at your quiver, however, you already have a relatively new Coiler 170 and, given that you ride short hills, a 162 could be great fun.

A third alternative would be to get Kessler to make you a custom ride. I have a 168 freecarve with a 11.3 average sidecut (that tightens slightly in the tail) and it's fabulous - a great all rounder. Having now ridden this board for a year I would go for a slightly longer length (171 or 173) and longer sidecut (@12.5) if I were to order it again. I say this because the board is extremely manouvreable in any situation (so why not go a bit longer and have a slightly longer sidecut for more stability at speed) yet holds an edge better than longer boards from other manufacturers (so no need to go much longer than 173). I think a Kessler built to those specs would instantly make your quiver obsolete!

[trailertrash]

... given that you ride short hills...

And buses...

[Buell]

If you are open to smaller boards, the 162 SL is a serious board. I have the stock 168 and a custom flex 162. The 162 has a lot more rebound and requires more aggressive rider input than the 168 but is so rewarding.

The 168 is smoother at a bit higher speed than the 162 due to its greater dampness and slightly bigger turn radius.

As Stef1 wrote, pay attention to the intended uses of the boards for your weight. The stock 168 works well for my aggressive 145 pounds but the stock 162 I tried a couple of years ago was definitely too stiff for me as it is Kessler's biggest SL board.

[kieran]

...The stock 168 works well for my aggressive 145 pounds but the stock 162 I tried a couple of years ago was definitely too stiff for me as it is Kessler's biggest SL board.

going by the sidecuts and weight range, is the listed 168 not also an SL board? it's the one i'd choose anyway, largest of the non-GS boards.

if we can go custom, i'd take a low 160's-cm board, 20cm waist and 12-16-15 blend. donations gladly accepted.

[trailertrash]

Maybe the Aspen Kessler rep will chime in and add some much needed wisdom to this thread...