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Help in choosing gear for a new boarder



 
 
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  #1  
Old October 24th 06, 11:46 AM posted to rec.skiing.snowboard
[email protected]
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Posts: 2
Default Help in choosing gear for a new boarder

I have been reading a lot online recently about what equipment is
recommended in terms of boards, bindings, boots, etc. but the problem
is that I am based in Japan and there tends to be a lot less choice
here for someone my size - 6 foot, 225 pounds, 30cm shoes (US12?)

As such, I am tempted to order from the US, especially as there appear
to be a lot of vendors selling direct to the Japanese market.

However, although I am sure I can decide on boots, bindings and what to
wear, the board is an area that seems trickiest, given that I am heavy.

Many sites recommend trying out many boards to see which fit me and
also there is a lot of mention of the concept of demoing a board,
almost a try before you buy scheme, but I am not sure if this sort of
scheme exists here.

I tried skiing here many years ago and the rental equipment available
in my size was scarce and in generally poor condition. The first day I
went out on my own skis, I was much much better from the off, so I am
eager to buy my board from the start.

It would seem that for stiffness, I certainly need a 160+ board, if not
165 with a width of say 250+

Does anyone have any general suggestions about how to take the plunge
and go for the right board? Also, how will I know if I have made the
right decision - I may just be crap...

Thanks for any advice you can offer...

Jester

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  #2  
Old October 25th 06, 12:44 AM posted to rec.skiing.snowboard
lonerider
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Posts: 99
Default Help in choosing gear for a new boarder

wrote:
I have been reading a lot online recently about what equipment is
recommended in terms of boards, bindings, boots, etc. but the problem
is that I am based in Japan and there tends to be a lot less choice
here for someone my size - 6 foot, 225 pounds, 30cm shoes (US12?)

As such, I am tempted to order from the US, especially as there appear
to be a lot of vendors selling direct to the Japanese market.

However, although I am sure I can decide on boots, bindings and what to
wear, the board is an area that seems trickiest, given that I am heavy.

Many sites recommend trying out many boards to see which fit me and
also there is a lot of mention of the concept of demoing a board,
almost a try before you buy scheme, but I am not sure if this sort of
scheme exists here.


It would seem that for stiffness, I certainly need a 160+ board, if not
165 with a width of say 250+

Does anyone have any general suggestions about how to take the plunge
and go for the right board? Also, how will I know if I have made the
right decision - I may just be crap...


Since you are starting out, what board you get really isn't going to
make a huge amount of difference. I would recommend looking into boots
first and foremost. A bad set of boots is going to cause you pain and
lack of performance regardless of what else you have. Boot fit is the
key issue, make sure they fit really well. Cozy at the toes, but not
curled such that they hurt just standing up. No pressure points, no
room gaps, no heel lift when you bend your knees and roll onto the
balls of your feet, no wrinkling of the boot in a distorted way. This
will be the most important equipment choice, so make it wisely. If you
have wide feet, I would suggest Burton Driver X, Salomon Malamutes for
narrow feet, but make sure tthat you foot is nice and secure and there
isn't any empty spaces in the boot.

Now, I re-emphasize the importance of boots before moving on. I really
think you probably can get away with renting board/bindings the first
3-4 days of riding before buying. If you plan on going more than that
(and staying in Japan for a while) Prior Snowboards comes to mind. They
are a top notch brand out of Whistler, Canada and even list all their
boards in Japanese Yen in anticipation of Japan-based buyers. For you,
I would recommend the MFR 168W
(
http://www.priorsnowboards.com/boards_mfr.php) to you (you are correct
that you are going to need a 165ish board with a waist width greater
than 250mm) their prices are high, but reflect the quality of their
boards, you can find some cheaper demo/blems at
(http://tinyurl.com/y5jx9u). You might also consider a Donek Wide 165
(http://www.donek.com/specs.htm).

Good luck to you

  #3  
Old October 25th 06, 11:42 AM posted to rec.skiing.snowboard
[email protected]
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Posts: 1
Default Help in choosing gear for a new boarder

I started boarding early this year and spent a great deal of time
reading as much as possible about gear as its a bit daunting starting
out with your first purchase.

Like you i'm 6 feet, 215 pounds, and wear a UK size 10 in shoes.

Board:
I was advised to get a board with a softer flex as this helps you
initiate and control your turns when starting out. I also needed a
wider board to ensure i didn't drag with the toe or heal from my boot.
This is more important if your binding angles are quite shallow like
mine (left foot 0 degrees, right 18). Binding angles are something you
need to experiment with to get a comfortable stance and good control.
The board I got is excellent, a burton cruzer wide (162) and was
recomended by a number of places. It was part of the burton learning to
ride range and will cater for everything i'll ever need to do.

Bindings:
UK size 10 and upwards boots will require you to use a large binding. I
opted for the burton freestyle bindings. Again i think they're great.
Comfortable straps, plenty of adjustment available, and reasonably
priced.

Boots:
This is where I came unstuck, and its the most important part of your
kit!!!! Cant emphasize this more. Initially I ordered online and went
for burton freestyle boots in a UK size 10 to match my shoe size. Great
boots but the size was wrong and caused by toes to feel cramped after a
few hours riding. There was no heel lift from them and they secured
nice and tight around the ankle but the toe pain was becoming
unbearable.

I then swapped them for a recomended pair of 32 prions in a UK size 11.
These felt great initially but on drag lifts and after a number of
hours riding i experience pain in the right hand side of my leading
foot. Tried a number of things to cure this, all to no avail.
Ultimately the boot was too big in width and my foot was rotating
inside the liner. These were bought in a shop but unfortunately i could
not swap them as they had been used.

I decided that if I want to be able to progress and enjoy the sport
then i'll need to bite the bullet and get another pair of boots. (this
was getting costly!!!).

Finally, I can now say I have the perfect boots. I bought a burton moto
07 boot in a 10.5 UK and the fit is perfect. I tried on several boots
this time which i recomend you do. The sales guy will recomend the ones
he think will work best but the only way you can really do this is to
try as many on as possible. Always check for heal and toelift and if
possible strap yourself into a board and move about to try. I wish I'd
done this at the beginning, but hey ho.

Also, dont just go to the next full size up if its too tight, try and
go up in half sizes, this is what caused my problem with the 32's.
Boots need to feel snug anyway, ideally your toes should just rub the
front of the boot when in your normal stance. Also the moto has the new
speed lacing system, beats spending ages messing about with laces!!!

Hope this helps...


PS. Starting out, get yourself kneepads and crash pants..... worth
every penny !!!!!!!




wrote:
I have been reading a lot online recently about what equipment is
recommended in terms of boards, bindings, boots, etc. but the problem
is that I am based in Japan and there tends to be a lot less choice
here for someone my size - 6 foot, 225 pounds, 30cm shoes (US12?)

As such, I am tempted to order from the US, especially as there appear
to be a lot of vendors selling direct to the Japanese market.

However, although I am sure I can decide on boots, bindings and what to
wear, the board is an area that seems trickiest, given that I am heavy.

Many sites recommend trying out many boards to see which fit me and
also there is a lot of mention of the concept of demoing a board,
almost a try before you buy scheme, but I am not sure if this sort of
scheme exists here.

I tried skiing here many years ago and the rental equipment available
in my size was scarce and in generally poor condition. The first day I
went out on my own skis, I was much much better from the off, so I am
eager to buy my board from the start.

It would seem that for stiffness, I certainly need a 160+ board, if not
165 with a width of say 250+

Does anyone have any general suggestions about how to take the plunge
and go for the right board? Also, how will I know if I have made the
right decision - I may just be crap...

Thanks for any advice you can offer...

Jester


  #4  
Old October 25th 06, 03:36 PM posted to rec.skiing.snowboard
Neil Gendzwill
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Posts: 95
Default Help in choosing gear for a new boarder

lonerider wrote:
have wide feet, I would suggest Burton Driver X, Salomon Malamutes for
narrow feet[snip]

I would recommend the MFR 168W
(http://www.priorsnowboards.com/boards_mfr.php) to you[snip]
You might also consider a Donek Wide 165
(http://www.donek.com/specs.htm).


I'd be worried that those choices are on the stiff side for a fresh
beginner, even one as large as the OP.

Neil
  #5  
Old October 25th 06, 05:48 PM posted to rec.skiing.snowboard
lonerider
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 99
Default Help in choosing gear for a new boarder

Neil Gendzwill wrote:
lonerider wrote:
have wide feet, I would suggest Burton Driver X, Salomon Malamutes for
narrow feet[snip]

I would recommend the MFR 168W
(http://www.priorsnowboards.com/boards_mfr.php) to you[snip]
You might also consider a Donek Wide 165
(http://www.donek.com/specs.htm).


I'd be worried that those choices are on the stiff side for a fresh
beginner, even one as large as the OP.

Neil


The boots or the board? I'm assuming you are talking about the board
since and hardboot would be even stiffer. My thinking was that the
recommend weight range of the Prior 168W is 165-230 lbs. So at 225 lbs
the original poster would be on the high end of the scale and should be
able to flex the board without much trouble. I did half consider
suggesting the 165W as the recommended weight range for that it 155-220
lbs as I'm sure being only 5 lbs above the weight range isn't going to
cause any significant issues in terms of stability or durability of the
board.

  #6  
Old October 25th 06, 06:06 PM posted to rec.skiing.snowboard
Neil Gendzwill
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Posts: 95
Default Help in choosing gear for a new boarder

lonerider wrote:
The boots or the board? I'm assuming you are talking about the board
since and hardboot would be even stiffer.


Both, but more the board. I don't advocate hardboots to complete
beginners, and super-stiff softies may not be the best either but at his
weight, maybe they would work out.

recommend weight range of the Prior 168W is 165-230 lbs.


Yeah, but the MFR is an advanced freeride board, so the weight range is
not all there is to consider. I could put him on my Coiler AM which is
designed for 190 lbs and I'd wager he'd find it too stiff.

OTOH my head may well be up my ass on this one as I've never ridden an
MFR, only flexed one in the store. If the OP is interested in Prior, I
suggest he call them up and ask what they recommend for a beginner his size.

Neil
  #7  
Old October 25th 06, 08:39 PM posted to rec.skiing.snowboard
Bob F
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Posts: 1,296
Default Help in choosing gear for a new boarder


wrote in message

PS. Starting out, get yourself kneepads and crash pants..... worth
every penny !!!!!!!


And a helmet. Those first day heelside falls are murder.

Bob


  #8  
Old October 25th 06, 10:19 PM posted to rec.skiing.snowboard
Markus Dolic
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Posts: 5
Default Help in choosing gear for a new boarder

Neil Gendzwill wrote:

The boots or the board? I'm assuming you are talking about the board
since and hardboot would be even stiffer.


Both, but more the board. I don't advocate hardboots to complete
beginners, and super-stiff softies may not be the best either but at his
weight, maybe they would work out.


I'm a lot lighter and started with Malamutes (after 3 days with rental
eq) without much trouble related to the boots... the only downside is,
i've gotten so used to the stiff boots that i can't imagine riding
"normal" softboots now
An additional comment about the boards: if it's going to be a Donek
board for a beginner, i'd highly recommend to let them tune the edges
to 1/1 - i believe the standard 0/0 would mean a lot more painful
edge-catching, particularly during the first days. Not sure how the
edge angle issue is handled by Prior.


--
np: Brand New - Sowing Season (Yeah)
ICQ# 8140105
public GnuPG/PGP key available @ http://dolic.com/pubkey.asc
  #9  
Old November 6th 06, 12:07 PM posted to rec.skiing.snowboard
[email protected]
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Posts: 2
Default Help in choosing gear for a new boarder


wrote:
Board:
I was advised to get a board with a softer flex as this helps you
initiate and control your turns when starting out.


snip

I was actually offered an unused 2006 board for almost nothing and so
decided to grab that and concentrate on the boots. The price of the
board was just a couple of rentals ($50), so decided if it really
doesn't work out, I can ditch it. I got an Airwalk 162 with a 260
waist, so pretty wide. I couldn't find much on the Airwalk boards, but
found one place saying they were good for beginners.


Bindings:


I am pretty sure I will go for Burton Mission, size L, as these seem
readily available here. The guy in the shop said it was best to stick
with same brand for Boots/Bindings as they are often developed side by
side. (Comments?)


Boots:
This is where I came unstuck, and its the most important part of your kit!!!!


I went in and tried on Driver X right from the start. 29 was tight
across the toe joints and so he moved me up to a 29.5 (11.5US) and
these seemed to fit really well. The boots were very stiff and snug. He
said that the Salomon boots (not a lot of other choice in my size even
in Tokyo stores) would be too narrow and I prefer the Burton designs
anyway.

He basically said that in terms of fit, any 29.5 Burton would be fine
and now I need to just decide on the model. I actually like the Driver
X or SL-9 and they are not very different in price. If I go for a
budget, there is the Moto at about half the price. Would the Moto's be
too soft?

I read that the SL-9 are great for larger sizes as the outer shell is
very compact, i.e. reducing overhang, etc. or allowing thinner boards.
For a few extra bucks, if the SL-9s are the best, I am tempted, but
Driver X look the best for me.

Now I just need to work out how come Burton's XL jackets seem to swamp
me, even though I have eaten far too many pies...

Thanks to you all for your tips.

  #10  
Old November 7th 06, 12:14 AM posted to rec.skiing.snowboard
lonerider
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 99
Default Help in choosing gear for a new boarder


wrote:
I was actually offered an unused 2006 board for almost nothing and so
decided to grab that and concentrate on the boots. The price of the
board was just a couple of rentals ($50), so decided if it really
doesn't work out, I can ditch it. I got an Airwalk 162 with a 260
waist, so pretty wide. I couldn't find much on the Airwalk boards, but
found one place saying they were good for beginners.


$50 is a great price for a unused board and it sounds like a very good
fit for your weight/size. That should be perfect to start out.

Bindings:


I am pretty sure I will go for Burton Mission, size L, as these seem
readily available here. The guy in the shop said it was best to stick
with same brand for Boots/Bindings as they are often developed side by
side. (Comments?)


That is correct (that boots and bindings are developed side by side and
so going with the same brand usually ensure you have a good fit). You
don't have to do that though. The Burton Missions are a solid binding
(I rode them back in 2001) and will work great for you.

I went in and tried on Driver X right from the start. 29 was tight
across the toe joints and so he moved me up to a 29.5 (11.5US) and
these seemed to fit really well. The boots were very stiff and snug. He
said that the Salomon boots (not a lot of other choice in my size even
in Tokyo stores) would be too narrow and I prefer the Burton designs
anyway.


If the Burtons are snug, then the Salomon will be too tight.

He basically said that in terms of fit, any 29.5 Burton would be fine
and now I need to just decide on the model. I actually like the Driver
X or SL-9 and they are not very different in price. If I go for a
budget, there is the Moto at about half the price. Would the Moto's be
too soft?


If the Driver X didn't feel like you had plaster casts on your feet, I
would definitely go with them or maybe the SL-9 over the moto.

I read that the SL-9 are great for larger sizes as the outer shell is
very compact, i.e. reducing overhang, etc. or allowing thinner boards.
For a few extra bucks, if the SL-9s are the best, I am tempted, but
Driver X look the best for me.


Again, bring your board, try on the boots and stand over the inserts
(the binding mounting holes) on your board. If you boots hangs over a
lot (more than an inch) I would go with the SL-9s, otherwise I would
stick with the Driver X

 




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