jw wrote:

I haven't shopped for a board in a few years. I'll be checking the local
places this year for possible new boots and a jacket or pants.
Surprising about the length. Are you in UK, as I recall? I'll report
what I find here.

I'm from West Canuckistan, and ride mostly in the Banff area.

btw, you have some long, long boards! My skis, when I used to race skis,
were 195cm (as I said, I'm 5'9" and 150lbs...no time for conversion to
centimeters and stones or whatever now, sorry). Those things must cruise!

172 is relatively short by alpine standards - most guys are riding into
the 180s and some in the 190s. The shortest alpine board I know of
suitable for adult men is the Madd 158, but it's more of a beast than
many longer boards.

As for my Tanker - 200 is pretty long, but the Tankers are a special
case. My Tanker weighs the same as my Coiler, is just as easy to turn
on the groomed, and carves nearly as well in soft conditions. They're
amazing boards.

Neil