Help Me Pick a Board!

[just]

Hi, I am new to skiboarding and have been looking into buying a board.

I am about 5'9 and 170 lbs. I've played competitive hockey for a long time so I am a really good skater. I want an experience similar to skating. Is a 75cm board too short for me?

I've been looking at the Snowjam 75cm. Any thoughts/input on this particular brand/board?

[dis]

Hi Just,
Welcome to the forums. There are many knowledgeable people around. Slow will probably give you the full introduction into the various threads that are good for new members, but for your specific question, you might want to check out http://www.skiboardsonline.com/vbulletin/upload/showthread.php?t=7115. If I'm reading it correctly, the snowjam 75's might be a bit to small for you.

If you're interested, when we've got some snow, I have some Revel8 boards (KTP now, should have ALP(now DLPs) within a week or so) that you could try if you wanted to meet up sometime. I usually ski Blue every friday night starting in January.

With that being said, I don't really skate, so I'm not sure what's going to give you the closest feel to that on the hills, I'm sure that there are other member's around who can chime in on that.

David

[sempai]

Tanshos would give you an awesome skating feel, but you might outgrow them fast. The BWPs would be a great choice, too. They are like the Tanshos bigger brother.

[SkaFreak]

What kind of terrain do you plan on riding the most?

[JPARK]

I suggest to go with BWPs first.
It'll give you skate-like feels. Tansho will give you skate-like feel too but just like others say, you'll outgrow them fast. but if that's what you enjoy (ground tricks) and don't mind to go big on tricks... tansho will still be good for you.

[xxxander]

The problem is.... Everyone on here is RIGHT!!! Every one of the boards are going to be great and you will love them. I come from inline background and have found that even the longer boards 110 still have that skate feel! thats the beauty of skiboards. you are skating on snow! I too agree that the 75's will be too short.

I was scared of the same things you are as far as length. I thought I would hate the extra length. I hardly notice. But what I do notice is how much more confident I am. I say go for revel8 boards... The quality is sooo much better than that of the Snowjams and they will help you progress faster. As far as baords.... I always say "Choose your favorite design and buy those"

No matter what you choose, Revel8 wont disappoint.

[1Quik7]

I played hockey, both street/ice, I've also skiied for a number of years. The past few years I've been renting the short junk snowblades at the park, finally gonna pony up this season and get some R8's. The shorter boards are very disappointing in the speed department, I think you'll find yourself doing more "skating" down the hill to just keep up with people, it gets annoying.

[ny300z]

I played hockey, both street/ice, I've also skiied for a number of years. The past few years I've been renting the short junk snowblades at the park, finally gonna pony up this season and get some R8's. The shorter boards are very disappointing in the speed department, I think you'll find yourself doing more "skating" down the hill to just keep up with people, it gets annoying.

haha yea i dont have a problem keeping up with anyone, actually its the opposite.

id say start with the BWPs and eventually work your way up longer and wider or stay with the BDUBs cause there t*ts

[Dave Bloom]

I was an ice/roller hockey player that got into aggressive inline skating back in 1994. When I started skiboarding I too was looking for a skate feel. The best advice I can give is for you to pick up a pair of BWPs. Their specs will give you the best skateability on snow being short enough to ride comfortably and have enough surface area and lift on the tips to cruise through powder comfortably. A lot of people will argue that BWPs wont hold up in deeper snow. But, there is plenty of video proof that BWPs kept up with every other board model at Jay Peak. The only downside that I have seen for BWPs is how they handle in wet snow. Otherwise, get some BWPs and enjoy the skate feel that they bring to you.

[ny300z]

yea forget that BWP in POW problem, i was riding in over knee high POW in utah with them last season. Just LEAAAAAAN BACKKK homey!

[koneco]

BWPs if you want a shorter, more skate-like feel. Plus, they will give you the maximum maneuverability for going through glades, trees, and moguls.

ALPs if you value tearing ass down the mountain like a crazy sumbitch and still maintaining plenty of maneuverability everywhere else. You can still go through glades and trees no problem, but you definitely have to be a little more proactive in planning your route. Also, these guys are much better on pow.

EDIT: I see nyz likes them in pow. Tbh, I did pretty well in pow at Mad River Glen on my much stiffer LaCroixs, which are 99cm. Definitely sunk sometimes, but I still had a ton of fun.

[ny300z]

so the answer to your question is simply

get any of them

:)

[rickylink]

Just,

I too.. come from a hockey background, both ice and inline. I'm 6' ...175 lbs. I think the 75cm might be to short in the long term. If you're looking for "edging" You might try the R8 "Revolt" which is 105cm or the R8 "DLP" which 110cm. Either pair will out edge anything that's out there and are great in the park as well.

I agree with xxxander... Revel 8 is the way to go!

[just]

Wow, thanks for the replies. Lots of good information and advice.

I think I am going to go with the Revel8 Rumspringa. I love the Mary Jane graphics and I think the 103 will be a nice fit for me. Not too long/short and I won't grow out of it too quick!

Thanks everyone!

[sempai]

Wow, thanks for the replies. Lots of good information and advice.

I think I am going to go with the Revel8 Rumspringa. I love the Mary Jane graphics and I think the 103 will be a nice fit for me. Not too long/short and I won't grow out of it too quick!

Thanks everyone!The only potential problem with the Rumspringas would be float if you shred a lot of powder, otherwise they should treat you right.

[dis]

Well, in Ontario we don't tend to see a whole lot of powder, so they're probably pretty good. Forum user bri_guy uses them around southern ontario, so he could probably give you a better idea though.

[pinkkid]

I think you will find yourself wanting to upgrade sooner than later with the Rum's... but they are a nice board for cruising around. They are actually too much like a normal ski for me and most of us here love the extra width provided by the other boards. ALL boards on SBOL are skatable, even the Condor and Spruce.... thus no poles!
The BWP's are a great choice for you and your style, but so is the Revolt, KTP and Alp for your size and needs.
The graphics are sweet indeed on those Mary Jane's! BUt so are many others, all look way way way better in person!
Without a doubt the 75cm will be too short and the Tansho's as well ...though a kick in the pants to ride!!
The BWP, Revolt, Alp, KTP are all fine choices and can handle most everything. The BWP being the hardest to deal with powder, but if ya don't do much in powder no worries! Just go have fun!

[just]

What are the pros/cons to a wider board?

And typically shorter board = less speed but more maneuverability?

[CANtoo]

I was a total beginner starting on solomon skiblades, then Head 94s. When I got the MaryJanes a couple years later it was AWESOME--giant leap forward from the other boards:) But then...a couple more years went by and I tried Revolts, and felt more solid with the extra width. I actually sold the Mary Janes last year (sad to see those beauties go) because with Revolts and ALPs became my go to boards.

To answer your question about the width, I did notice, when riding the MJ's after the Revolts, that carving--getting on edge--was soooo easy and effortless. That's one great thing about the narrower board. But even with that, I still prefer the ALPs for more float and stability.

I'm just a cruiser (no park, no back country, starting to do trees), 5'10, 145 lbs.