my board is stiff - LOFT - stance Q

I learned on a K2 Electra 167, and since rode two Salomon Definition
160 over 5 years (I delaminated each between the toeside). I also have
a Ride Timeless, which is my favorite all around snowboard - light,
forgiving in tight action, yet stable at speed and can hold a carve.

The Salomon LOFT 160 is light, yet can take very high speeds (I'm 5'11
170#) and remain stable. it's narrower and I'm going to have to play
with angles/settings to avoid drag.

The LOFT commands respect for its rigidity - it can handle tight
action, but keep it level as possible and plow through. I rode rutted,
icy traverses comfortably in the ski-slew. Conditions will dictate the
LOFT's response - it's light enough to kick turn through icey mogules
as long as you know your edging requirements, but doesn't take
surprises well. It's not forgiving in the least, and performs best
when your in command of the conditions.

I ride for powder stashes, off piste or wherever, looking for natural
pipe features and small kickers/drops. The LOFT was great getting
every where when I *allowed time* for negotiating terrain. I only lost
it when trying to do something too tight, too fast - which is easy with
this board as it's so fast! I think my Timeless is still better
overall, except when charging. I think the LOFT would ride well in a
place with well groomed runs - it would excell there!!


I wonder if spreading my stance would get better leverage/flex? I
typically stick with middle settings, and set the rear back in deeper
powder conditions. Do other guys move front bindings fore/aft from
neutral, and if so, why? I've heard the LOFT has a *sweet spot* -
anyone heard of this, and know how to *hit it*?!?!?!?!
Hi from Seattle/Alpental!!!

I wonder if spreading my stance would get better leverage/flex? I
typically stick with middle settings, and set the rear back in deeper
powder conditions. Do other guys move front bindings fore/aft from
neutral, and if so, why? I've heard the LOFT has a *sweet spot* -
anyone heard of this, and know how to *hit it*?!?!?!?!
Hi from Seattle/Alpental!!!


Widening your stance (to a point) adds stability. Narrowing your stance
(to a point) adds to your ability to flex the board.

An argument for moving your stance forward on the deck (while keeping the
width the same) would be if you ride mostly hardpack and are having trouble
bending the board at the beginning or "top" of the turn. Moving your
stance forward will generally make it easier to apply pressure to the nose
which in turn causes the board to bend into an arc. If you ride powder
it'll work against you because you need your weight farther back to avoid
sinking.

In general boards will have a "default stance" - this is usually the "sweet
spot" where a rider of the target weight and "average" body proportions will
find a good balance between stability and flexing power. This sweet spot
won't be the same for everyone... if you're short-legged or lighter than the
target rider you probably need to go narrower and if you're long-legged or
heavier than the target rider you probably need to widen. The "default
stance" is often indicated graphically - look at the inserts for graphics or
markings indicating the sweet spot.

I tend to center my stance upon the manufacturer-recommended default
stance/sweet spot on all my decks. The only exception is my Madd 158
Alpine where I shift the stance all the way forward, I don't agree with
their idea of "sweet spot".



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