In search of a new snowboard.

[starry001]

I've been thinking about getting a new board as I feel my old board is a bit too big. The old board is a Morrow board from probably around 07 or 06. I feel like I need something that may turn a little better.
Price range would be below $800 and I do a bit of everything on the mountain.
Any help would be appreciated! Thanks

[Coopski]

Just preempting the next questions but your height etc are possibly going to be asked and may help. Also how long is the morrow. Do you know what type if board it is ie directional, freestyle/park board/flex as these factors may be a part of why it doesn't initiate turns well vs it's length.

How exciting though. Always great to get a new toy :-)

[Paul Oberin]

Have a good look at the new technology regards shape, and I don't mean reverse camber, some of the new shaped boards will make riding a lot better.

[starry001]

height is 185 and weight is 85.
Just had a look and it was Morrow source 159 and it's a wide freeride so the big factor must be in the width. Are there any good sites which explain it well?

[starry001]

How exciting though. Always great to get a new toy :-)
I just got new boots and bindings in the last year so they look so out of place.

[Paul Oberin]

height is 185 and weight is 85.
Just had a look and it was Morrow source 159 and it's a wide freeride so the big factor must be in the width. Are there any good sites which explain it well?Rider26 is your man, he is a member on here and has a website that I find is very up to date with knowledge, he also works in with what I think is a great snowboard shop in Sydney.

[Paul Oberin]

www.boardworld.com.au (http://www.boardworld.com.au)


I just noticed he has a section explaining girls, called "About girls" I am glad someone has finally worked them out. ;)

[starry001]

So this is an amazing guide. I definitely need a freestyle instead of a freeride.

[John Deere]

Thought of skis?

:outtahere:

[starry001]

I think my purchase will have to be put on hold as I've been rejected for a job I thought I most certainly had. The search for a job will continue :cry:. And if anyone has a job to offer a sad little uni student in Melbourne, that would also be grand.

[rider26]

Hey starry001,

I'm a bit late on this one. Sorry to hear the new purchase is on hold. I'd love to help you find the right board if/when you're ready.

Just remember to let us know things like...

Boot size, riding experience, preferred riding style/terrain, where you're riding (overseas?), height/weight (already stated :)).

Waist width can definitely make a big difference if not suited to your boot size. What size boots do you wear? Do you know the waist width of your board? (I can look that up if you're not sure).

Here are a couple of articles we have on the website that might help you understand it a bit better:

http://www.boardworld.com.au/snowboarding/content/category/snowboard-characteristics/

http://www.boardworld.com.au/snowboarding/content/category/snowboard-selection/

Thank you for the kind words, Paul. Much appreciated. :)

[starry001]

The new boots are DC Judge 2011 models and they're a size 10.5 and I'd say I'm an intermediate and I like to do a bit of everything. Have only been boarding in Australia but I think I might jump over to either Japan or New Zealand in the next year or so. I can't help you with the width as I'm currently up in Albury and my board is in Melbourne.
I think that 159 is perfect size for me but I think it being wide was a bit of a problem. When I purchased it I just bought the cheapest board possible.
Thanks for all your help.

[SA]

Thought of skis?

:outtahere:

Great idea! :D
http://warmtinny.com/gallery2/d/50909-2/snowboard_skier.jpg

[rider26]

The new boots are DC Judge 2011 models and they're a size 10.5 and I'd say I'm an intermediate and I like to do a bit of everything. Have only been boarding in Australia but I think I might jump over to either Japan or New Zealand in the next year or so. I can't help you with the width as I'm currently up in Albury and my board is in Melbourne.
I think that 159 is perfect size for me but I think it being wide was a bit of a problem. When I purchased it I just bought the cheapest board possible.
Thanks for all your help.
Yeah so the Morrow Source 159 has a 266mm waist width, which is huge for size 10.5 boots. Of course the board is rideable but you're making things unnecessarily difficult. It would be making your board feel very sluggish edge to edge, and this is why your board feels too big.

If you're going to be riding one board for everything, it's always a good idea to get something versatile. By that I mean versatile in flex, size, shape, and camber profile.

If you're going to Japan you're going to need something that will float in deep, light powder. A few things can give you float; shape (taper, setback), size (more surface area = more float), and camber profile (rocker is good for pow). We need to be careful with what we choose here, as taper and size will make the board less versatile for Australia/NZ, or even just riding park.

I would suggest looking at an all-mountain/freestyle board with rocker, probably a hybrid but we can also look at full rockered options. The reason being: you can have a very fun and versatile board that will kill it everywhere but also handle deep powder with relative ease. Rocker will also make the board easier to turn, which completely solves your original problem.

What bindings did you buy? I take it they are size large?

Are there any particular brands you're interested in looking at?

[starry001]

Does the all mountain/freestyle sacrifice speed? I've heard that they can be unstable. I have Flow Flite 2 2010 Bindings They may be XL but I couldn't tell you until I get home. Not bothered by brand, only bothered if it doesn't do its' job. I wouldn't worry too much about Japan though.

[rider26]

All mountain/ freestyle means nothing; it's just a categorisation of boards. Just like you have a powder board, freeride board, park board etc. All mountain/freestyle is the type of board that goes all over the mountain; they can ride groomers, steeps, powder, park, whatever.

A few things can affect stability - size (smaller boards are less stable), flex (softer boards are less stable), and camber profiles (rocker is less stable than camber).

The main thing affecting speed is the base. I would highly recommend a sintered base; more expensive but worth the money. Properly wax a sintered base and speed will be your friend.

Talking about camber profiles: Rocker makes the board 'looser', easier/quicker to turn, easier to press, floats better in powder. Camber gives the board stability, pop, better edge hold, better for carving etc. Hybrids are a balance between the two.

OK, we'll pretend you're not going to Japan. You said you you ride a bit of everything on the mountain. But what is your riding style? What's most important to you? From what I described about camber profiles, what do you think would be best suited to you? These are all important questions to ask yourself to ensure you purchase the right board.

If you have any questions let me know. :)

[starry001]

It sounds like you've described what I wanted, something looser. I'd say freestyle sounds like me.
Ok so if I went for something like a hybrid rocker with a sintered base, what board am I looking at. Every website seems to have too many choose from and It's just too hard to find.
Could you help me with a link? Sorry to be a pain but there is just so much out there.

[rider26]

In keeping within your budget, I would suggest something *like* the Burton Custom Flying V. All mountain/freestyle board utilising a hybrid camber; a true go anywhere, ride anything board. I've recommended this board to quite a few people and they have all been completely stoked with it. This board uses the Burton Channel system, so you would need to get the Flow M6 conversion discs to mount your bindings onto it. That said, Flow does make the discs and it's a great board. You can check the board out here: http://www.boardworld.com.au/snowboarding/content/category/burton-snowboards-mens/

I would also look at board like the YES 'The Basic'. Similar deal, pretty mellow do everything board with camber underfoot and rocker in the nose and tail. Check it out here: http://www.boardworld.com.au/snowboarding/content/category/yes-snowboards-mens/

Most brands have a similar type of board in their range. Have a look through our product guide and most importantly go to your local snowboard shop and see what they have on offer. Now you know exactly what type of snowboard you're after; speak to the staff at your store and see what they recommend. Either of the boards I listed above would be an excellent option in your price range.

If you need to know anything else, you know where to find me. :)

[starry001]

I love the sound of the Burton board and I was also liking the YES. The Great Beauties in the list. Oh man, have to find a job!

[Eggson]

Ahh i love this time of year when thoughts turn to new gear. I'm going to start looking for a new board in the next few weeks too. Now that i've moved i wonder if i should try local board shops or ones i've been to before...fun times!

[rider26]

I love the sound of the Burton board and I was also liking the YES. The Great Beauties in the list. Oh man, have to find a job!
Haha good to hear! Think of it as an investment in fun. :D

[starry001]

I'm currently looking at the Burton process v rocker and the Nitro Team Gullwing . Thoughts?
Also it seems that I may be in the line for some cash due to my flying school dropping fees.

[rider26]

The Process V Rocker is going to be more playful. It has a soft flex and full rocker profile. Also worth mentioning, the Process has the Channel, so you will need to get a set of Flow M6 conversion discs.

The Nitro Team Gullwing is stiffer and features a hybrid camber profile. The Gullwing camber utilises rocker between the feet and camber under the underfoot, so you will get more stability and edge hold compared to the Process V Rocker.

It really depends how you want the board to ride. The Burton will be softer, more playful, 'looser' etc. while the Nitro will have more stability and pop.

[starry001]

I'm leaning towards the Process. I can get a really good deal with my local dealer for about $450

[rider26]

Sounds good, let me know what you decide. :)

Also make sure you can get the Flow M6 conversion kit. You might need to contact Flow Australia or get the store to do so on your behalf.

[starry001]

Bought the process 157 and it's beautiful. Had to buy the conversion kit from overseas sadly as all the local dealers couldn't get it in. Can't wait for the start of the season.

[mattus]

gday,

i am in a similar situation as the OP

currently have a 154 rossignol, had it for years.

i am about 185cm and 100kg. pretty solid bloke i know.

i used to have a 157 and thought it was too big for me as i wanted to snap it around trees and get into freestyle etc.

i have since realised that i am more of a freerider and like natural kickers and carving.

what size board should i be looking for? i would call myself an advanced rider, i can handle any terrain the aussie resorts throw at me.

[rider26]

Hey mattus,

I find it a bit surprising you thought the 157 was too big. That comment and reading words like 'snap' in regards to turning makes me suspect a technique flaw in your riding. I say that in the nicest possible way and I'm certainly not having a go at you. You can be an advanced rider with technique flaws - I see it all the time.

What I'm trying to get at is you need to be on a bigger board, especially for freeriding. At 100kg you need something that will work well with the forces you exert on the board. I think you'll be amazed at how stable a bigger board would be, how much faster you can go, how well you can carve etc. All logic is telling me you need to be on at least a 158, preferably bigger. I think getting on a bigger board will actually help your technique; it will make you initiate your turns properly rather than snapping the board around.

Have you ridden any other boards? Do you know what kind of flex you prefer? If you go for something stiffer you can get away with something a bit shorter. If you're riding hard, you need something that will handle the forces. Exact sizing really depends on what board you're looking at. I think you're best off finding the right board first, then consider your size options.

[Paul Oberin]

gday,



currently have a 154 rossignol, had it for years.

i am about 185cm and 100kg. pretty solid bloke i know.

i used to have a 157 and thought it was too big for me as i wanted to snap it around trees and get into freestyle etc.




Weight has a lot to do with what length board suits a person along with a few other factors, at 100Kg and you say an advanced rider, if attempting to carve your turns rather than use counter rotation or pivoting off one foot to turn, a 157cm would be an absolute minimum in a board and even then it would want to be a very stiff board with edges always in good tune, I would be thinking you should be on a 162 or around there to get good edge control at speed and some sort of float in powder.
I had no trouble at all on a 163cm board when at Whistler riding amongst the tightest of trees, and I don't mean the spaced out tree runs, I just went into any tree area I found with good snow, and I could negotiate them using the board to turn, and in big moguls a 163 was no problem at all, why not demo a few longer boards and maybe even get a lesson while on a longer board and you may be surprised at how much more control you will have.

[mattus]

Yeah I didn't like the 157 as I was a beginner and I found turning difficult, going to the shorter board I think has helped my technique and allowed me to progress but yes sometimes I don't initiate turns properly. At the moment I am looking for. Custom or custom x, I don't have an opportunity to try other boards apparently.

[mattus]

Wow iPhone makes me sound stupid haha. So would a 158 be a good step up from my 154? I'm nervous going bigger than that as my experience with the 157 was a bad one, keeping in mind I was a beginner at the time though.

[Paul Oberin]

Many snowboarders teach themselves to ride or maybe get a friend who also taught himself to ride to teach them, but when I am out on the slopes I see far too often people who ride with a style of using counter rotation or pivoting to turn a board rather than using the edge and shape of the board, if your technique is right and you are carving your turns rather than sliding them, a longer board shouldn't be a problem, if you are a slider then you will want to keep the board short, which you can get away with here on Australian hardpack, but in powder you would find it very difficult.

[mattus]

alright solid.

yeah if i am on a nice cruisy run like supertrail or excellerator etc i carve well i think, if the run is tighter or there are trees to play in i am guilty of sliding my turns instead of carving properly.

i am looking at a burton custom or custom x, purely because they seem to be the board everybody raves about. might see what i can get my local shop to do it for, otherwise it will be importing!

[mattus]

alright i think im about to drop $500 on a custom x.

its a 160 board, any reason why i should go the shorter 158?

i like jumping off natural kickers if that makes a difference but not in the park. i can handle expert terrain with my current 154. i just find that i want to be able to go faster than my current board allows me to.

ahhhh help!

[Paul Oberin]

Go the 160 or longer

[mattus]

thanks paul, 160 it is

hopefully this sets me up for a while!

[rider26]

Sorry I've been absent on this one. Just flew back to Sydney from Vancouver yesterday. Totally agree with Paul. The 160 will be great for you (158 would have been too short). The Custom X is a good choice for you too. Versatile shape but nice and stiff to support your weight, and super fast and aggressive. Let us know how it goes this season!

[mattus]

im a bit concerned the custom x will be TOO stiff for my riding style... haven't bought yet.

tossing up between custom x and custom.

leaning towards custom possibly because its greater flex will allow me to throw the board around easier ?

thoughts?

[Coopski]

Sounds like you enjoy riding the mountain vs the park. If this is the case I would definitely go the stiffer board and if it's making you nervous spend the extra $$ on a couple of private lessons to bring your technique up to speed. As our resorts are groomed and often 'firm' under foot so to speak ;-) that extra stiffness will help you get the speed your looking for, with a great board to grip when the conditions are a little icy. :-)
Regardless of which way you go enjoy. Both are great, reputable boards. But if me I'd spend the dosh on something I can really work my technique on to ride uber fast in all conditions and that you won't grow out of and need to replace in a couple of seasons. Enjoy!

[rider26]

It really comes down to personal preference. If you want something a bit more playful go for the Custom. Personally I find the Custom X too stiff for my liking.

[mattus]

so my new cartel bindings arrived today, couriered from a jindabyne store, they sent one large and one medium! argh!

[starry001]

Took the board for a spin yesterday at Buller. At first I had to get used the responsiveness of the board but by the end of the day it was a lot of fun! Also tested out my new DC Judge boots. So good to use and so easily adjusted.