Pondering a new free-ride board

[shred_da_gorge]

You're welcome to try my SX 136 at 3rd some afternoon (I'm the tall guy with the silver Audi wagon with Oregon plates; usually park on the dirt in the lower launch area). Adam hits the nail on the head - a decent rocker helps, as does a fair amount of concave, though IMHO the Mako has too much which made it a little harder to plane/point when I tested it in light winds. It's a matter of style; I'm told hardcore freeride snowboarders tend to love the Mako. I tried the X-Ride 141 and it felt too big, and I've tried some 132 cm boards which felt too short, so I'd tend to agree with the aforementioned length advice. Also my knees and ankles have some mileage on them so I went with Liquid Force's cushy Luxury pads.

Incidentally, you may also like Slingshot's new "user friendly" board called the Ignition: http://www.slingshotsports.com/2009-ignition . I'll let you know what I think of the Nobile and Underground when I demo them in Hood River at the end of the month.

And Zeev I might take you up on trying that Jaime... ;)

[zgur]

Dear Mr. Shred - any time!

I picked that board as I wanted:
1. Smooth ride
2. Eating chop for lunch - cause when you go fast, chop can hurt
3. Soft cushy pads - gotta protect those knees/ankels/hips/back
4. Right amount of flex - for good pop and see #1 above
5. Ability to plain up fast - I don't like to ride lit
6. Strong ability to go upwind

I personally don't like a lot of rocker - from trying few boards that have a lot - as they take too much kite power to work. Same w/too much concave.

It's a personal preference thang.....

The Jaime was the only board that met all of my criteria.....

But don't take my words for it, ride it and see what you think.

Get some, Z.

[timwim1]

I'll second Adam's ideas on length. Unless it's a stiff wide plank, bigger boards ride better IMO. Look at a photo for a PKRA or other freestyle podium – most of the boards almost come up to the riders chins when stood up.

Eag-

That is such a great comparison! Thank you so much! I need to try a little larger boards :-o than what I first had in mind,

Tim

[timwim1]

You're welcome to try my SX 136 at 3rd some afternoon (I'm the tall guy with the silver Audi wagon with Oregon plates; usually park on the dirt in the lower launch area). Adam hits the nail on the head - a decent rocker helps, as does a fair amount of concave, though IMHO the Mako has too much which made it a little harder to plane/point when I tested it in light winds. It's a matter of style; I'm told hardcore freeride snowboarders tend to love the Mako. I tried the X-Ride 141 and it felt too big, and I've tried some 132 cm boards which felt too short, so I'd tend to agree with the aforementioned length advice. Also my knees and ankles have some mileage on them so I went with Liquid Force's cushy Luxury pads.

Incidentally, you may also like Slingshot's new "user friendly" board called the Ignition: http://www.slingshotsports.com/2009-ignition . I'll let you know what I think of the Nobile and Underground when I demo them in Hood River at the end of the month.

And Zeev I might take you up on trying that Jaime... ;)

Please do post your experience with the boards tested, I will try to do the same here...

Thanks for the offer on trying the SX 136, given the expense of a new board, I will need to come up with a good testing plan! Adam's suggestion makes a lot of sense.

Thanks,

Tim

[timwim1]

Definitely try the Mako, but in my experience you'll either love it or hate it. I'm similar in size and recommend the X-Ride 135 for choppy conditions. I ride a Slingshot right now that I'm pretty happy with, but it's a little heavy, and in trying a variety of boards I'll probably end up with an '09 X-Ride for next season. (The '08 is a good board but the '09 North straps are nicer).

Do mind sharing what you have tried so far? It will give me "orientation" as of what to look for while trying them out.

Tim

[timwim1]

I picked that board as I wanted:
1. Smooth ride
2. Eating chop for lunch - cause when you go fast, chop can hurt
3. Soft cushy pads - gotta protect those knees/ankels/hips/back
4. Right amount of flex - for good pop and see #1 above
5. Ability to plain up fast - I don't like to ride lit
6. Strong ability to go upwind

But don't take my words for it, ride it and see what you think.

Zgur-

Very well stated and exactly what I would be looking for in many ways:

Comfortable (smooth ride, "pain-free" in the chop, cushy yet protective pads) AND
yet high performance (great upwind ability, fast plaining, great pop)

Thanks,

Tim

[timwim1]

after being firmly in the "flex" camp, i recently moved to the "rocker" world and have been really really happy. Flexy boards can still beat you up in the chop and aren't very good at soft landings. I switched to a board with a bit more rocker and my knees have been so thankful.

here is what i would do if i were in your position. You probably have a number of friends who kite yes? Well, go out, kite with them, and then on the water, ask to borrow their board for a few tacks. do this with several boards. after trying 5 or 10, you'll get a very good understanding of what you like and don't like. you'll be able to compare them back to back with your board. this is much more useful than just going to a shop and demoing a board all day (what if the wind sucks that day, or the chop is particularly nasty...how do you know?). Remember, no board is perfect, so you're going to have to make some compromises. Your board choice is particularly important however, so it pays to take your time here.

I would also say that 134 is a bit small for you. I ride a 135 right now and i'm 160 lbs. I really do not understand why people insist on riding small boards. A bigger board is going to give you better upwind range and is going to be more comfortable in the chop. set up your stance a tad wider and the board won't feel very big at all. I would recommend you pick up something between a 136 and 139.

rocker, flex, width, length, pads&straps, core material, bottom contours, fin size....they all make a pretty big difference. don't settle on one board just because someone on the forum tells you it's great, or because the magazine gave it a good review....try them out, see what you like. It's important that you learn the pros&cons of the different features of a board...Even if you're pretty sure you want a flat board with a lot of flex say, you should still try riding a board with a bunch of rocker, so then you'll understand what that feels like.

In my mind, it's not about the brand or the model, it's about the specifics. Once you decide which features you like in a board (be it lots of rocker, lots of flex, small fins, a super wide board, lots of concave....) then look at the brands and see who carries something like that. Every company carries a pretty extensive board range, so all I'm saying is, try to understand where in a given board range you prefer to be, and then start looking at specific models and brands. make sense? I could give you my personal opinion about which board is best, or which features on a board are better than others, but I'd really rather you come to your own conclusions.

Adamrod,

Thank you, thank you, some great advice and thanks for putting your thoughts on free-ride boards on the forum!!

I am trying to save my knees and being able to ride a little longer...thus a little more rocker would be definitely welcome based on your experience.

Adam, that is a great "testing plan", thinking of probably changing on the beach or launch, rather than in the water since changing boards with some of my buddies might not be the best strategy (my kite lines are still good :) , but getting to close on the water might be catastrophic...; but your statement on conditions is so true!! Things change from day to day...thus making a comparison more difficult!

I will need to do some more "research" on the board "specifics" to capture some of their "performance" to be able to compare them...but I will try lots of them, that is a given. I will try a smallish board (134) with a larger board same board with a (139, wide stance) and figure out what works!! But your advice for going a little longer is duly noted.

Tim

PS: Just looked at the North range of boards and they have 13 different kinds. WOW. There is a reason for making that many and each person "comfort-performance balance" is a little different!

[adamrod]

you're welcome! come find me at 3rd if you want to try my board out too (just ask around by the lower launch and people should be able to point you toward me... i ride an LF Concept LTD 135)....there are a number of locals down there who would gladly let you borrow their board too.

changing boards on the water really isn't hard . .. one person jumps off, body drags off a ways while you take their board . . .it's often easier than coordinating on the beach, so you might get more testing in.

i'm definitely curious as to your analysis, so report back on the different boards you ride and how they felt. these days, every board is really good, but they all are a compromise, so hopefully no one takes it personally if you do or don't like a given board.

[litewavedave]

Hey Tim,

Litewave Spirit is similar to a Nobile, but about $200 less and with better bindings.

Pick one up at NorCal surf shop in Burlingame to test. They have some free demos there. Probably the 137x44 would be good for you.

Several guys at 3rd have gotten them lately....very popular board.

-Litewave Dave

[manplesvanuatu]

Hi all,
What Adam talks about, it really make sense. With all the posts I do not know who needs to try anymore :)..Try things and see for yourself. It's the best way. Don't listen to a pro report and read magazines and take it seriously..it's only a base for you to make a decision.
I mostly ride at 3rd Avenue.
I have 2 boards you can try anytime..one is a Brunotti Pro-X
The other is Liquid Force Concept 139..
I am far from being knowledgeable in this sport.
But here is a quick opinion what I feel myself for the 2.
The liquid force is really forgiving and glides/goes upwind well. The rocker is good for the chops at 3rd technically. It seemed a tad heavy AT first but I don't feel that it has held me down. When I am up in the air..it's just like any other boards. Since it is 139cm...landing is easy. I weight 165lbs and 5'10". last, it is built solid! I don't see how you can break a board like this!
The Pro X is a cool board..it has practically no rocker..it rides a bit skaty and nervous and it is super light! It does not ride super comfy but when was the last time you hear a race car comfy?
I rode Dave Litewave Spirit. It is a good board too..super soft on landing. Goes upwind well. In term of weight it is the same as the concept. But my take is don't let the weight make you think that you'll be disadvantaged...

anyway I love both boards! each has its different characters..so what does this say..you can't get the perfect boards..formulate your style and what you like most and buy the one that fits that style.

I wear a bright green wetsuit..anytime you see me at third please come by and try my 2 boards...

paul