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Advice on buying a new board

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  Thread Started By:   louiesmith   On:   Wednesday 03/02/2010 @ 15:28 Show Newest First    
louiesmith
Posts: 32
Cambridgeshire
  #1  Advice on buying a new board  Posted 03/02/2010 @ 15:28
Revision #1 (Last edited: 03/02/2010 @ 15:34)
I've been snowboarding for around seven years on a hand-me-down 159cm Salomon 550 (built in 2000 or earlier). The bindings are old, old Rossignols. I visit the Alps for around two weeks every year but have also spent two months in Chamonix. I prefer all mountain riding, especially off piste and powder, to park as my dislocated knee doesn't seem to like heavy landings. I decided to buy a new board and bindings after noticing my Salomon 'speed wobbles' whenever I am flatlining down a piste. This may be partly poor technique but I am hoping newer (stiffer?) gear will solve the problem. I'll probably go down to around 157cm as although I'm 6ft tall I only weigh 62kg (!) and don't want to be dwarfed by a longer board.

I've set my heart on buying a K2 Slayblade. Is this board a good choice for me as a non-park rider or could you suggest some alternatives? Should I buy the 158cm or 156cm? What bindings should I buy for all-mountain free-ride?

Answers on a postcard please...
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BJM2
Posts: 159
  #2  Re: Advice on buying a new board  Posted 03/02/2010 @ 15:31
In reply to post #1 ...

QUOTE (louiesmith - 03/02/2010 @ 15:28)

Should I buy the 168cm or 166cm?

Typo?

When they first brought it out, the 550 was as stiff as all get out. Quick, but you had to pay attention.
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louiesmith
Posts: 32
Cambridgeshire
  #3  Re: Advice on buying a new board  Posted 03/02/2010 @ 15:35
In reply to post #2 ...
yeah thanks for spotting that dumb typo, edited now

I like the 550 but it's old as sin. I think I may get 'speed wobble' because the board is slightly too long for my weight, bindings are awful, or my bad technique. Can you give any advice on a good all-mountain free-ride set up for me? Thanks
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teadrinker
Posts: 310
  #4  Re: Advice on buying a new board  Posted 03/02/2010 @ 15:36
If its stability and freeride your after, you may aswel go for the 158
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louiesmith
Posts: 32
Cambridgeshire
  #5  Re: Advice on buying a new board  Posted 03/02/2010 @ 16:09
In reply to post #4 ...
Which bindings would be good?
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inactive_16115
Posts: 4226
  #6  Re: Advice on buying a new board  Posted 03/02/2010 @ 16:15
You're more likely to get speed wobble on a board thats to short and soft for you not a board thats too long for you.
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Grill
Posts: 1961
France
  #7  Re: Advice on buying a new board  Posted 03/02/2010 @ 16:19
In reply to post #5 ...
Autos or Formulas.
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louiesmith
Posts: 32
Cambridgeshire
  #8  Re: Advice on buying a new board  Posted 03/02/2010 @ 16:22
In reply to post #7 ...
Thanks grill and nick (and everyone else). So k2 slayblade with autos/formulas and i won't be disappointed for freeride? French alps here I come...
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