Just bought the Spruce 120s, good choice?

[tylerpestell]

Hello,

I found this site last year and have been very interested in skiboarding. I tried snowboarding once and it was just awful, doesn't feel natural at all. I have been skiing about 10times and I am decent at it. I like to go fast primarily. I also like to do some small jumps every now and then. It always feels awkward doing jumps with skis when you have 2 poles in hand and those long boards strapped to you. I tried going in powder a couple times with skis but usually they weren't those type of skis and I had to crawl out. I also like checking out side trails and going off the beaten path.

I just purchased the Spruce 120s ... and was wondering if they sound like the best choice for my interests. I am 5'10" and 160lbs.

Priorities:
1. Speed
2. Maneuverability (on side trails)
3. Powder
4. Jumps

[Greco]

yes, you did make a good choice i believe because the longer your skiboards the more stable they will be at high speeds, the more surface area they will have for floating powder and landings jumps. that's 3 of your 4 right there. the one aspect not in complete favor of the 120's is maneuverability. the 120's won't be as maneuverable as a pair of 98's but then you'd have to compromise your other 3. the thing that clinches it is you're coming down in length from long skis rather then going up in length from shorter skiboards. in comparison to what you're used to the 120's will feel much more maneuverable. there you have it ... all 4 covered.

g

[tylerpestell]

Thanks for the input Greco. I had the same train of thought with the maneuverability ... even though they are like the longest skiboards they will still be far more maneuverable than any skis I have used.

Now I can't wait to get them and hit the slopes.

I have one more question about the longer skiboards ... are they still pretty easy to skate around on flat ground? (since I don't want poles) It seems like they might be difficult in lines.

[Greco]

that's definitely something that requires a certain technique which you develop over time. it will probably be a challenge for you in the beginning but you'll get better each time. i've gotten really good at skating on any length and it has all to do with edge control and pressuring just the right part and pushing off of certain parts of your edges at the right time. lift lines are definitely the most difficult because you don't have much room, that's why i usually try to take up a bit more room and turn one board perpendicular and use it to push off while using the other board for steering. i can't stand doing that marching thing where you slide your boards back end forth really quickly but get no where.

g

[slow]

I took my Spruce 120 out for the first time on a small hill today and had no problems skating. I found them no more difficult to skate than my 105 EMPs. Keep a wide stance and do not rush it. Let them glide.

It took about three runs to get comfortable with the Spruces. It was probably a combination of the longer length and not being in condition. But I soon found how forgiving these boards are and I had no problems going through some very rough spots chewed up by falling snowboarders. I had a great time pushing them on the single green run on the 250 foot hill (first and only resort open in our area). I am looking forward to taking the Spruce 120s to the Canadian Rockies (Lake Louise, Sunshine, and Kicking Horse) in three weeks.

[coltsz1000]

I don't mean to jack you thread or anything but if i were to by the spruce 120's can I mount my marker ski bindings on them with out redrilling or do I have to use spruce bindings?

[Greco]

the spruce risers are manufactured around certain bindings screw patterns so they can only be used with the bindings they come with.

g

[coltsz1000]

I see, Thanks for the info. Wish they could take had the 4X4 pattern for non releasables.

[SkaFreak]

Yeah, the problem with putting 4x4 and non-releasable bindings on is that you have a huge risk of spiral fractures and knee injuries with boards that long. There's a reason that skis have releasable bindings. Jeff at spruce wants to make sure that he doesn't put anyone at risk. These days that includes protecting himself from lawsuits that might come from people getting injured riding his boards with non-releasable bindings.

[coltsz1000]

Yeah that is kind of what I figured however I am 6'1" so I don't think that I would have this problem.

[tylerpestell]

So I finally got my skiboards ... They look great and I can't wait to go this weekend. Is there anything I need to do before I take them? I just screwed the bindings to the board tight but not super tight.

I can't wait to go ... it is going to be so much fun. I will be sure to post my first experience with them this weekend.