2013 GEAR THREAD

i got a 2013 butterknife prototype that i was supposed to test last year.  i didn't spend a ton of time on it (just a few days or so), but as far as i could tell, i did not like that profile much at all.  i liked it in pow cause it's based on a totally flat profile and the board was actually a solid medium flex unlike the production model is (feedback from us syndicate guys got them to change it to fit the flex number they gave it), but on groomed snow it just felt weird.  it never felt consistent.  i much disliked how when you were flat or barely on edge, it was only gripping in the middle and felt loose overall, but as you got up on edge, the tip and tail would engage and you got the grip of the full edge. i don't like having it go back and forth like that.  it felt loose sometimes and more normal other times.  i like my board to be smooth in that respect.  had i spent more time on it, i would have gotten used to it, but i don't think that profile is for me.

they also sent me a crossrocket to test this year, which has the same nohangups design but it's applied to a full-camber board, which is how bataleon is.  i think i will like it more just cause it's more my style board in the first place (stiffer, longer) and i think having regular camber might help me like it more, but i'm still apprehensive about nohangups, having ridden it on another board.  i know i would have enjoyed the butterknife a lot more had it not had nohangups.  the board its self was fine.

longer reply than you probably expected, hah.

for sizing, i'm the same height but 145lbs and would probably ride a 54 or so for an all around park board.  it's all preference though.  i would suggest something in the low 50s for you.  also depends on the specific place you're riding.  a huge park in mammoth is a lot different from a rail garden in the midwest, for example.