Snowboard and binding suggestion

[samwoo2go]

Edit.

After some research, I think this set up is perfect for me.
Board: Ride DH
http://ridesnowboards.com/boards/dh
Binding: Union Force Green
http://www.unionbindingcompany.com/p...bindings/force

With the off season sale, I can squeeze everything pretty close to the 500 budget.

This would be for about 50% park (everything from rails to big kickers), 40% freeride, 10% all mountain and tree lines.

Sound good?

I think its time for me to get a new setup. I've been riding my 5150 setup right now for 10 years already believe it or not. and its been 10 years since I kept track of board technology and brand so a little rusty.

So I am looking to get a new setup after this season so I can either go to skidazzle or buy the post season specials.

I am looking for
balanced freestyle/freeride board.
not so much of a powder board.
light weight
budget: +-$500 for board and binding.
Skill Level: Expert freeride, amateur freestyle looking to start working on it. but I don't want a pure freestyle board.

So far, my friend suggested Ride Society board. Good board? any other suggestions?

[BMW F22]

http://www.sierrasnowboard.com/Sierr...Snowboards.asp

It's based off the Burton Custom. The only difference I know of is that it doesn't have the infinite channel system (ICS). You could also wait until about March or so when almost every board on that site will be 50% off. Actually everything will be 50% off: bindings, boots, boards, clothes, etc.

PS- the Lib Tech banana skate is good as is the Gnu pickle. That site also has the Sierra Team board so be sure to check that out also. I personally like the Burton Custom so I will be picking up that Sierra Crew board in the future.

Not much options for a board and binding combo of 500$...I think sports chalet had a 30% sale for a binding + boots + board combo so you'd get 800$ for like 500-550$ and you could choose any brand and mix/match and it would still have the 30% off. Don't know if its still around but considering it's late season I'm sure it's still there to have incentives to move inventory.

[samwoo2go]

Originally Posted by my92

Not much options for a board and binding combo of 500$...I think sports chalet had a 30% sale for a binding + boots + board combo so you'd get 800$ for like 500-550$ and you could choose any brand and mix/match and it would still have the 30% off. Don't know if its still around but considering it's late season I'm sure it's still there to have incentives to move inventory.

not even post season sale? because my friend picked up a ride combo for around $500 I think it was $540 last post season.

[Derek Zoolander]

I just sold off my old twin tip skis from circa 2001, and picked up new sticks. I kept the bindings and had them transferred over.
I nearly shat when I saw the prices of new 09/10 model skis. $500-700 for 2 laminated pieces of wood and metal? damn.. inflation's a bitch.
Picked up 09 Line skis for $320 mounted and tuned. They've haven't come a long way in 10 years, but definitely an improvement.

[EdmBimmer]

I've just returned to snowboarding after 8 years out of the saddle.

In the last 3 months I've purchased 5 boards. Yes, I say again. I've bought 5 snowboards. Why? Because I didn't know where to start either. Here's a list of the boards:

Arbor Element
- 155 cm
- Directional shape
- Standard Camber

Capita Sierrascope
- 152 cm
- Directional Twin shape
- Flat Camber

Rome Anthem
- 156 cm
- Directional shape
- Standard Camber

Ride Kink
- 153w
- True Twin Shape
- Standard Camber

Bataleon Evil Twin
- 151
- True Twin Shape
- TBT Tech (Triple Base Tech)

I stayed away from Lib Tech and Gnu (Skate Banana and Park Pickle) because I found that was mainly for park riders. I love the carve, and maybe taking natural jumps and kickers. Looked at a few Burtons, the Custom V was something I also considered but I ordered a Bataleon and after riding that I'm done.

I've decided on having a 2 board quiver.

Arbor Element
- Very easy turn initiation, fast base.
- Stable at high speed

Bataleon Evil Twin
- VERY HARD TO CATCH AN EDGE!!!!!
- TBT is awesome, feels so smooth when turning and straight line riding is catch free.

The Bataleon is my favorite board, after reading the tech of TBT and now riding it it is the real thing. You may not have the luxury of trying out so many boards, but I found it the only way to now myself what I was looking for. On top of that, bindings do make a difference as well.

Yup, the list isn't as long as the above. But I tried out 4 different bindings.

Burton Missions
Flow NXT-AT
Ride SPi
Salomon Calibers

I hate Flow's. The idea sounded cool at first, but after a day of riding I got fed up. The highback was hard to close when you are sitting to close your binding. If you were on an incline, it was hard to place your boot in the binding because you'd be sliding. Those went back ASAP.

As for the others, I like the Ride's a lot, as well as the Salomons. Granted, they were pretty high end in each line, but comparing them to the low-mid end Burtons I can tell the difference.

sierrasnowboard.com is a great site for prices and selection. Rumour is there will be a fire storm on 2010 stuff by the end of Feb, so if you can wait I would. Plus, most of the stuff on there has user ratings so you'd get more info that way.

BTW, what is your boot size, height and weight?

In the end, this is my set up:

Arbor Element w/ Salomon Bindings (Mountain / Pow board)
Bataleon ET w/ Ride SPi Bindings (Everyday, everyday, everyday)

Whew, if you have any questions let me know.

[bassholic]

too many variables

[immiketoo]

I'd stick with this...

[samwoo2go]

Originally Posted by immiketoo

I'd stick with this...

damn you are just full of uses today lol

[immiketoo]

Sorry, I couldn't help it. Besides, that's gotta be better than going out in the cold and sliding around for a while!

[samwoo2go]

I've updated my op

[silvergray545]

Personally, I would pass on Ride boards. I'm not really a fan of them. You can't go wrong with Burton, that's a given. But it seems like we have similar riding styles. You might like the board I have. A Rome Slash Wide. If you're not looking for a board with reverse camber, I think this is a really good board. It seems to have a perfect balance between park and all mountain. It does seems a little stiff to me, but everyone is different to what they like so you might think it's just right.

Also, on your binding choice, I would look at some thing else depending on how you ride. I bought the Union Force bindings at the beginning of the year. I like them a lot but I'm starting to question their durability. I ride a lot, I just removed 26 lift tickets off my coat two days ago just from this year. So my equipment gets beat up a little more then usual. My friend has had his Union Force bindings for 3 years now and he claims they feel a little sloppy. (He is rough on his equipment though. He throws flips and other crazy stuff.) Burton Customs or Cartels are a good way to go.

Here's a pics of my Forces. I love them but I'm not sure if they are gonna have a long life. (Sorry for the quality, I snapped that with my Blackberry)

[silvergray545]

I was in a bit of a rush when I typed my previous post and forgot to include a few things.

If you want a really dedicated park board, the Never Summer EVO-R is a great board. They are super poppy and super buttery. I know a lot of people that ride this board and love it. It's not the best all mountain board though.

Also, for bindings, look into the Rome 390 and Rome Targa. Those are both great bindings. I'm honestly having a hard time deciding whether I want the Rome Targas or the Burton Cartels.

[TurboFan]

1. Love my NeverSummer board. They're hard to find in a shop tho. You almost have to go to Colorado in September to find one. Hit or miss on-line.

2. As for bindings, buy the same brand as your boot if they make one. If not (say, DC), bring your boot to check the fit. There should be a good tight fit even without the straps fastened. Don't get hung up on fancy straps, those can always be changed out. I go through a strap or two every season. If the binding doesn't hold the boot tightly, you'll be cranking on the bindings and it won't be as comfortable. I barely have to ratchet mine to hold the boot in.

[silvergray545]

Originally Posted by TurboFan

1. Love my NeverSummer board. They're hard to find in a shop tho. You almost have to go to Colorado in September to find one. Hit or miss on-line.

2. As for bindings, buy the same brand as your boot if they make one. If not (say, DC), bring your boot to check the fit. There should be a good tight fit even without the straps fastened. Don't get hung up on fancy straps, those can always be changed out. I go through a strap or two every season. If the binding doesn't hold the boot tightly, you'll be cranking on the bindings and it won't be as comfortable. I barely have to ratchet mine to hold the boot in.

The one shop out here has them all the time. If you're looking for a new one, let me know, I could send one out your way.

[samwoo2go]

would you guys buy a board off Ebay if it says new and the seller has a good amount of ratings?

[TurboFan]

yes, but I'd want photos.

[silvergray545]

I wouldn't. I know a couple people that got burned on ebay boards.

[BMW F22]

I've recommended a good place to buy boards but if you'd rather buy it on eBay then suit yourself. Ebay is a good place especially if the boards are new. Sometimes you can score a good deal on there. However, the prices (at least for the boards I looked at) are cheaper at the link I posted than on ebay (even with tax).

[samwoo2go]

Originally Posted by BMW E90

I've recommended a good place to buy boards but if you'd rather buy it on eBay then suit yourself. Ebay is a good place especially if the boards are new. Sometimes you can score a good deal on there. However, the prices (at least for the boards I looked at) are cheaper at the link I posted than on ebay (even with tax).

ya I was all over sierrasnowboards.com but they sold out of the DH, it was a good deal too before they sold out (wasn't my size). But at least I know how much they were going for on there so I won't over pay on Ebay.

They got a great deal on Union Force too at $139, too bad no more green. Imna settle for the Contact SL Green instead.