Newbie looking for sound advice

Went snowboarding for the first time a couple weeks ago and I am now hooked. (even though at first was painful lol) I would like to buy my own stuff going forward and have been doing a lot of research and looking at different reviews. Was wondering what advice anyone could give. I am 6'3", 195 lb., 11 boot and ride goofy. It would seem the board of choice is an all mountain between 160-164 wide. But as far as brand goes I have no bias for anyone particular brand since I don't know much. Have been kinda looking at some arbor boards and thinking I would like to roll with the wasteland series. But that particular board is supposed to be "intermediate/advanced" (do those type of rating really mean all that much) and rated highly as a good "everything" board. Would like a board that i can grow with and not have to ditch after a yr. Spending 300+ every couple of yrs isn't how i roll lol. Any ideas, advice, and suggestions are greatly welcome. Looking to also move to Colorado Springs later this yr so i am syked to see what its like with real snow.

if you post wat kinda riding you want to do then you'll get more specific results. im in the same place as you but alittle bit farther along. this is my first year and i am also hooked and im looking to buy. but i have found that its better to get atleast 3 days under your belt before you start looking to seriously buy. this is only because i think you should find what kinda riding you like. Do you like the kickers, the jibs groomers powder? i know you said you want an all mountain board, but in the all mountain category there are alot of options. like what shape of board, if you want rockered, or cambered, and how flexible you want it. theres a post on this website called ippys snowboard guide i highly suggest reading it all the way thru. It will give you a much better understanding of what makes up a board and how all the parts work together. i posted the link below happy searching

P.S. i have decided on getting the sierra stunt package. because i like freestyle and butters
hope this helped


http://www.trusnow.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40125&PID=864421

A board that is rated intermediate or advanced most likely has a medium to stiffish flex.  That is the most common aspect of a board that puts it into those categories.  You will not see any beginner boards with stiff flexes.

A great way to save some extra money on your gear is to find good 2011 gear that you really like. Do lots of research, talk to people, and visit stores to find exactly your size. Then, as the 2012 gear comes into view, stores will put discounts on the 2011 gear that you want.

Originally posted by Cmartins Went snowboarding for the first time a couple weeks ago and I am now hooked. (even though at first was painful lol) I would like to buy my own stuff going forward and have been doing a lot of research and looking at different reviews. Was wondering what advice anyone could give. I am 6'3", 195 lb., 11 boot and ride goofy. It would seem the board of choice is an all mountain between 160-164 wide. But as far as brand goes I have no bias for anyone particular brand since I don't know much. Have been kinda looking at some arbor boards and thinking I would like to roll with the wasteland series. But that particular board is supposed to be "intermediate/advanced" (do those type of rating really mean all that much) and rated highly as a good "everything" board. Would like a board that i can grow with and not have to ditch after a yr. Spending 300+ every couple of yrs isn't how i roll lol. Any ideas, advice, and suggestions are greatly welcome. Looking to also move to Colorado Springs later this yr so i am syked to see what its like with real snow.

What I notice when boards are labeled "intermediate/advance" it's typically more expensive and includes tech and material where in the end, it won't really matter.  As Bruizza said, 10% board, 90% rider.  The Arbor Wasteland, as the description states, is their flagship model...pretty much an do it all board.  As a beginner, I would start with if you want camber or reverse camber.  After that, you already know that you want a do it all board.  So, stay with a medium flex board (Burton Custom, Sierra Crew/reverse crew/ Capita indoor survival / etc.)  <- I'm basing this on description, not experience.  With a size 11 boot, definitely go with a waist width larger than 255mm.

Gnu Carbon Credit I think would fit your bill.  K2 Parkstar (reverse camber.)

Also, on the length, as Bruizza said, 159-161 range rather than 164.  "The reason being a longer board is harder to turn.  This is not what you want when learning."

I would add too the 160 size. It is a good size board for you and you can get a feeling if you want a longer or shorter board. It is hard to buy your first board that will last you 3-4 years not bc of the board but it is hard to know what kind of rider you will be in a year or two.

You will either hate or love Flows, it is really up to you.  Personally I prefer straps and also Flows are heavy as bricks.  I dislike Flows, my brothers loves Flows.  You just got to try it out and see for yourself.  Anyways, I think a Crew would be a good board for you for awhile.  

I'm 5'11 175 and I did a 160 wide Burton Bullet. The thing is great really makes you learn to turn properly and doesn't kick your ass for small mistakes and it won't break the bank. make sure you focus on the boots more than anything though

its almost year end, you might as well wait for the deals to start rolling in to see what you can get your hands on.

do not get the www, its alot more leaned towards park riding

Hey man,

Yes, boots are supposed to be tight, well more like fitted, from heel to toe. If you moved your big toe up and down you should feel the front of your boot. Also i would ensure that there is no heel lift as that isn't a good thing.

Buying online/brick mortar is all preference. Sometimes, the shop will even price match, you never know unless you ask. Also mounting bindings isn't that hard of a deal, you could youtube it and save yourself money and gain some knowledge.

ratchet dial = boa, i have heard of them snapping and what not. They can be replaced, i personally don't use them. Look for dual boa's if you going to be grabbing a pair.

pull cord - speedzone (from burton's boots) are my preference. Pretty fast and my boots are usually good until i take them off. Not too sure if they changed them all, but the dual zones would be preffered.

lace up - tried and true method. Old school and slow though. Wife take's way too long to lace up if you ask me.

Originally posted by azn_dan ratchet dial = boa, i have heard of them snapping and what not. They can be replaced, i personally don't use them. Look for dual boa's if you going to be grabbing a pair. pull cord - speedzone (from burton's boots) are my preference. Pretty fast and my boots are usually good until i take them off. Not too sure if they changed them all, but the dual zones would be preffered. lace up - tried and true method. Old school and slow though. Wife take's way too long to lace up if you ask me.

if your goggles can change color, l would get those because then its fitting for all season. practicality is more important than the actual style of it. get ones that fit comfortably. cheap ones=cheap padding

for binding isn't there a certain direction they should be facing or i should say angle?

I've seen BOA laces lock up and require a screwdriver to undo. The speed zone laces are definitely nice and easy but the only pair of boots I tried with them loosened up pretty quick. I ended up buying regular laced boots and obviously haven't had any issues. My brother is learning on the Sierra Crew/S90 package and it seems like a really nice, solid (and well priced) set up so I would definitely suggest that or maybe the Reverse Crew or Stunt.

cool thanks for the video azn_dan!!

i suggest he pick up the 2011  Arbor formula 

i think you should buy a 7-ch home theater system over the 5-ch

baazzing...i'm so hilarious! 

I like the camber over the rocker. The rocker is real nice for avoiding catching an edge, and you are able to do more tricks and such, but the camber just feels like a better ride, and you go allot faster. Rocker for park, Camber for all round is my thought. Idk, its personel preference, try them out and see what you like.

reverse camber is more forgiving only if you know what you are doing, if not, you just end up washing out a lot.