epsilonphase 0 Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 Hi.. I am looking to upgrade/renew from a much loved Option Black Tusk 158 I started on back in 2003... I have been looking through some of the reviews here, some are a little out of date.. Can anybody suggest where to start? Totally lost at the moment. I mainly freeride here in Japan, prefer off-piste where I can, am about 6" and intermediate to advanced level i suppose!. Anything that can be purchased in Kanda etc would be better. Thanks in advance Link to post Share on other sites
Jynxx 4 Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 How much do you weigh? I'd check out: Atomic Banger Salomon Burner, Sick Stick Venture Storm, Zephyr (they make rocker and non-rocker) Nidecker Ultralight, Megalight I got Burner '08 and I love it. Not too stiff. I weigh 60 kg 5'8'' and ride a 157. The 2010 models start from 160, and I don't know if they are stiffer but I'd go for that extra 3 cm now that I am used to the length and for powder. I don't ride Park. (not yet anyways. I do have a 151 SantaCruz Fusion TT) I don't do big jumps, or big halfpipes. I've ridden the Burner on a SBX course, powder, Icy, steeps and I love it. The board goes fast often beating skiers. That speed is an advantage in powder. It's just a bit of a hassle snaking through moguls compared to a 151. I have to go over it. Construction wise, very well built. rubberised top edge can take hits from skiers at lift lines, the base doesn't need repair all the time. Good luck! Link to post Share on other sites
RobBright 35 Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 Libtech have some goods rides. Link to post Share on other sites
epsilonphase 0 Posted January 28, 2010 Author Share Posted January 28, 2010 Hi thanks for the ideas. I'm about 70-75kg. I seldom ride in the park these days, much prefer powder. I avoid moguls at all cost but sometimes unavoidable here (e.g Hakuba Goyru) I guess i ride switch about 20% of the time to give the back-leg a rest. will have a look into the names suggested. Link to post Share on other sites
mitchpee 10 Posted January 28, 2010 Share Posted January 28, 2010 Originally Posted By: epsilonphase Hi thanks for the ideas. I'm about 70-75kg. I seldom ride in the park these days, much prefer powder. I avoid moguls at all cost but sometimes unavoidable here (e.g Hakuba Goyru) I guess i ride switch about 20% of the time to give the back-leg a rest. will have a look into the names suggested. Well, it sounds like you are in the category for a board with some rocker. I am or the Rome Notch 1985 will be awesome for you. Super light board that is going to float allll over that snow. K2 makes a board called the Gyrator that is amazing in powder. I demoed it last year (this year's) and it is absolutely amazing. Was sooo stoked on it. Last but not least the Burton Guru will be good for ya. Worth checking out but I would definitely look at the Rome Notch. Link to post Share on other sites
Trekky 0 Posted January 29, 2010 Share Posted January 29, 2010 I am in the same situation-mostly board powder, but also prefer something that can hold an edge on steeper stuff. Anyone got any recommendations? Link to post Share on other sites
Jynxx 4 Posted January 29, 2010 Share Posted January 29, 2010 If you want edgehold on steeps, I'll avoid full rocker. Anyone here moved on to rocker boards? Love to hear their experience! I add, (not for my weight, someone over 70kg min) Nitro Pantera. My picks are mostly directional boards with set back, except for the Sick Stick which is called "tapered twin" Link to post Share on other sites
HelperElfMissy 42 Posted January 29, 2010 Share Posted January 29, 2010 My 2nd and 3rd son's are rocking the Burton Joystick and they reckon they have never had better edge control.... I need to steal me one of their boards and see what all the fuss is about!! Link to post Share on other sites
XilR8 0 Posted January 29, 2010 Share Posted January 29, 2010 Would recommend the Burton Malolo as a board that is awesome in powder and also solid on groomers. Or the Fish if you are really serious about the powder (the Fish also rides perfect on groomers, whatever people on the net say. I've been riding mine for 2 seasons now) Link to post Share on other sites
Oyuki kigan 0 Posted January 30, 2010 Share Posted January 30, 2010 Smokin has made one of the best boards i've ridden in my short 20 seasons of riding. They are kinda rockered, but its very, very subtle, with basically the board flat between the feet. They consistantly place in TW Snoawboard mag's top 10 good wood. Plus, they come with a 3 year warranty. http://www.smokinsnowboards.com/ I'm guessing the KT-22 is the model for you Link to post Share on other sites
Thundercat 60 Posted January 30, 2010 Share Posted January 30, 2010 Where can you buy those in Japan? I've been searching for them but with no luck... Link to post Share on other sites
Oyuki kigan 0 Posted January 30, 2010 Share Posted January 30, 2010 try Rakuten, but you probably won't find anything over 153 Link to post Share on other sites
Thundercat 60 Posted January 30, 2010 Share Posted January 30, 2010 Sweet. Thanks for that. I've had a look through Rakuten before and the selection is lacking. Was hoping that you knew of a shop that might have supplied them. I'm hunting for something at least 159. I'll keep my eyes peeled... Link to post Share on other sites
epsilonphase 0 Posted February 1, 2010 Author Share Posted February 1, 2010 Went down to Kanda on satuday, every shop was sold out of the boards listed above!.. most of the guys said that they get a small stock in and they usually sell out over the summer. TIJ! There were some Burton Maolo 09's still in stock, for about 40-50k yen. I'd prefer not to get a pure powder board but interested to know if anybody rides these here. Link to post Share on other sites
MrSingh 0 Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 How about Neversummer Premier? Great on powder and groomers, and virtually indestructible. Demoed the board once, and a couple of my friends have it. Unfortunately, it's not sold in Japan. Link to post Share on other sites
Tubby Beaver 209 Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 Originally Posted By: MrSingh How about Neversummer Premier? Great on powder and groomers, and virtually indestructible. Demoed the board once, and a couple of my friends have it. Unfortunately, it's not sold in Japan. not much help then Link to post Share on other sites
XilR8 0 Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 Malolo is not a pure powder board. It's a powder-focussed all-mountain board. You won't have any trouble riding it in normal conditions. Just don't expect to be pulling tricks in the park. Link to post Share on other sites
epsilonphase 0 Posted February 1, 2010 Author Share Posted February 1, 2010 Mitch - what size of Notch are you riding? there are a couple of shops selling the 162 on Rakuten Link to post Share on other sites
panhead_pete 27 Posted February 2, 2010 Share Posted February 2, 2010 Originally Posted By: MrSingh How about Neversummer Premier? Great on powder and groomers, and virtually indestructible. Demoed the board once, and a couple of my friends have it. Unfortunately, it's not sold in Japan. I have had one of these for years and its been AWESOME! You can buy direct off their site I think. Im buying another one. These do look great... http://www.smokinsnowboards.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=14 Link to post Share on other sites
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