New rider asking for opinions

[BKAP]

What's up, everyone!? I am new to the sport and wanted to ask a question about gear. I really appreciate the fact that the more experienced riders take the time to provide very valuable feedback to the newbies. The following is from an email I sent to Greco, but I wanted other opinions, too:

I am brand new to the sport. Every time I ski (2-3 times a year, mostly East Coast) I keep getting shorter and shorter skis because i want more control. I was on 120s last time, but they were still too long. I haven't tried it yet, but I know just from looking at Ski Boards that they are what I am looking for.

I am 6'2" and weigh 240, size 13 shoe (sometimes 14 boot), and i mostly just go down blue and sometimes black runs in mixed conditions. I will probably never be in a pipe, will jump rarely, and will rarely ski deep powder, through trees, or over moguls. Having said that, I would like to find a set of boards that are versatile enough to do all of those things, but with an emphasis on the downhill part which I will be doing 85% of the time. I want high quality and very durable that are comfortable and give me the control and confident ride I have been looking for.

I really like the Revel8 boards, and I am wondering if one model stands out as the best choice based on what i am looking for. The ones I like are the BWP 98s, the KTP 101s, and the Revolt 105s (Trees).

Bindings and boots are another mystery. Any recomendations based on my size and riding type? I am more interested in comfort, durability, and quality over price (within reason).
I like Bomber bindings from what I've read, and the Rossignol soft boots.

Any feed back here would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[Kirk S]

Any three of those boards would work well for you I think I would recommend the KTP's thought because they are In between and knowing the conditions over here in Western, Pa you are gonna want some surface area to help you out but because you say you continually are downsizing your skis I'm not sure if you buy the Revolt's that later in life you might want a little shorter. Just some insight on what i based my opinion off of, If it weren't for that fact that you keep getting smaller skies then I would say Revolts would do well for you also.

Boot well I am not really and expert on boots seeing as I have only ever owned 1 pair so I will let someone else help you with that.

[Kirk S]

I see you ski wisp. Do you ever make it up to 7 Springs?

[Manlenium]

Go with KTP and bombers. Will be great for your size and able to get into the park when you want to.

Bombers are the "elite binding" and are indestructable.

You may have trouble finding soft boots in that size though.

[CrazyBoy-1]

I think the Revolts or the KTP's would be good. I think the Revolts will give you the responsiveness that you want because of the sidecut.

[BKAP]

Thanks for the advice! I think I am going to go with the KTPs with Bombers. If I don't go for the soft boots, what would be some good quality, comfortable regualr boots that would work with the KTP/Bomber setup? I would prefer to stick with a big name brand I can buy locally (DC area) so I can make sure they fit right.

Kirk, I haven't been to 7 Springs in years, but I will let you know if that changes. I am going back to Wisp on the 9th, and hopefully Vail around Feb 1.

[tyberesk]

KTPs/Bombers = amazing setup right there. Pretty much any boot will work, although a more upright boot is better for skiboarding. Just make sure the boots fit tight, and they are comfortable and keep you warm. Those are the things you need when looking for a good pair of skiboard boots.

[Manlenium]

If you have a wide fitting foot.....I have found that salomon boots fit wide feet decently.

[BKAP]

Thanks to Greco for all of your help and to everyone who offered advice! I got my KTP's with Bombers 2 weeks ago and just tried them out. I was blown away with how easy the Skiboards are to ride and how much control I felt I had, even in pretty terrible East Coast conditions. It takes no time to get used to riding the super-wide boards, and i love riding without having to carry poles. I have never had the confidence to try a black diamond run, and by the end of my first day, I had done 7 or 8 black diamond runs with no problems. The stability and control are incredible! I love Skiboards, and see no reason to ever go back to skis or snowboards again! I'm hooked!

BKAP

[Manlenium]

It only becomes more fun as you progress..