Advise buying a board

A snowHead

I wouldnt consider myself as a beginner but defo not a pro.. but want an all round board..... dont have the money for top of the range... but dont want a crappy one either..., the hire board i use is 55/56...

I have bindings... which are K2 snow tryst.. so they need to fit

Other than that i dont have a clue where to start... advise welcome....??

A snowHead

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

There are a million and one retailers who will have wide stock and probably a good selection of sale stuff.

Many peeps will advise trying before you buy - for some that's important, for others not so... it's a personal thing. I've bought all four of my boards 'blind' and they've all be great sticks that have given me good service. Some people would say I've just been lucky... Smile

Did you find a 155/156 comfortable in terms speed etc? There are some basic sizing guides that will put your weight and height together to 'suggest' the ideal board size. This might help - http://www.evo.com/how-to-choose-a-snowboard-size-chart-and-buying-guide.aspx - but there's also the 'wide' factor if you have big feet.

The type of board you go for matters - job/park boards tend to have a lot of pop in the tip and tail but flex through the middle for throwing yourself around on boxes and rails. Big mountain boards tend to be for gunning it on and off-piste so are stiffer. You'll find all-mountain boards are a ix of the two and are probably the ones that suit most average riders.

Consider the type of set-up you want.... camber, rocker, twin tip, directional... these can influence the type of board you end up with.

Places like absolutesnow, freeride, filarinskis, TSA's clearance website will all have sale boards at good prices.... if you end up going for 55/56 size boards then you'll have a really wide selection.

I've probably missed loads of advise - someone will be along to fill in the blanks Laughing

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Get along to a decent shop with staff that know what they're talking about, (not always easy to tell) you'll have to use your BS detector. I got a great deal from TSA a few years ago, still going strong, though starting to outgrow the set up now, needing more stiffness (stop sniggering at the back). Big advantage at TSA is try before you buy.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

Iam a skiier too so picked up boarding easy enough, just need to get more confident and progress into much harder routes and maybe free style... snowHead

Ive have been into a few shops and way too much info for me to take in.....

Yes i am female lol I got size 5 feet!!! i am 5'9th and i am 10stone... lol odd balance i know!!
i got boots, bindings just want board.....

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You might want to try a slightly shorter board, especially if you want to up your freestyle game.

In general:

Longer board = faster, less manuverable

Shorter board = easier to turn, rotate, jump, etc. but less stable at high speeds

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

how short a board are we talking? i am already tall with tiny feet lol

I want to enjoy the slope as well as free style (when i am ready)

After all it is free

I appreciate all your advise... but confused.com....55/ 56 is comfortable but i want something that pushes my limits... even if i take some falls trying new things... rolling eyes

*Ski* the Net with snowHeads

Bliss snowboards has a useful little snowboard selection tool.
Absolutesnow gives loads of techspec which you can browse at your leisure and a "recommend me a board" tag. In the end if you want to make an informed decision you'll have to do your homework and get informed. Look on it as all part of the fun.

snowHeads are a friendly bunch.

robapplegate, this. My start-of-the-season guilty pleasure is going fantasy board shopping - choosing what board you'd get if you were in the market...

Watford_Chick, Don't worry about the Trysts, they'll fit pretty much anything you can buy out of the box, excluding the Burton EST/ICS boards obviously.

snow reports

Richard_Sideways, At least those fantasy boards we buy don't empty the bank.

You know it makes sense.

Watford_Chick, look for last season's high quality board from one of the big names. Just about ALL low and mid range kit is churned out in the far east with just differing topsheets. There are a few exceptions but last year's high end board will cost the same as a new mid range and the quality does make a difference. My Rome Anthem was brand new and nearly two seasons old . . . absolute cracker, stiff, tough and beautifully made.

edit: paid $150 for a $550 retail board and it'll probably see me into ma pine box . . . some have seen how I ride Embarassed

Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:

A snowHead

Burton Feather - easy, flattering ride

A snowHead

First off I don't think anyone can tell you what you 'need'.

As always some good advice, new but season or two old kit, try before you buy etc etc, but.............

Trying in a fridge will give you only the barest bones of the board's identity, the only way you'll come to know a board is a day or two on the hill. Be prepared to try several. Having said that, depending on where you are in the curve, what suits you today may not tomorrow, there are no crystal balls. The only place I've personally been where shops will let you take out numerous boards of the latest spec, on trial, on the understanding you buy one (or pay the rental), is Canada, but I guess there are others. So why not 'rent' several boards and do a straw poll? Because IME they're mostly junk, though again there are probably exceptions.

155/56 seems a reasonable length for you to be on.

Sorry, can't be of any more help, but don't get wrapped up too much in the tech/hype/gender thing, keep an open mind. Just don't go too soft, unless you're in the park all day.

And then there's boots, actually even more important in many ways....................... wink

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

BCjohnny,

You need to Login to know who's really who.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

Thanks all advise it welcome..
I've been looking at boards 154/155.... just need to find last years spec or a board someone has hardly used (less than 2ys old).. and not much damage (if any)

@BCjohnny - I have boots and binding... and saggy snow pants - as noticed alot boarders have there @rses hanging out lol
-[ its not a good look for women]

@Masque. as for your incontinence pants. i am a youngen so i not gotten think of that.. but i know not to eat yellow and brown snow!!!

Shocked

You'll need to Register first of course.

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

Watford_Chick, wink

your first really bad landing will teach you ALL about 'stress incontinence' Twisted Evil

After all it is free

Help!!

Advise buying a board

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