K2 vs. Never Summer vs. Arbor vs.
I am looking for advice on my first snowboard. I have limited experience, a week-long trip each year for the last 4yrs. Recently I moved from Georgia to Maryland. With 3 resorts in my area I want to improve, do some park and buy my own gear.
I am 5”2’, 130, size 6 shoe looking for all mountain. In the past my rental boards have been a 142, 140. Over Christmas I was in Alaska and the rental was a 138. I know that 142 – 138 is small for me but I actually thought that the 138 gave me a ton of control last go around and really enjoyed myself. The conditions at Alyeska were 16degrees, flurries and man-made snow, so I am not sure about float on powder and not sure I want to worry too much about powder now because I don’t think I will see too much in my area.
I am considering K2 Fling (top of my price range), NS Pandora, Saloman Lark, Arbor Eden and Nidecker Elle. I am leaning toward the Elle due to price and the fact that I like a really small board now but may not later. The Pandora and Fling are at the top of my price range but I am willing to invest because they seem to be great quality and something I will use as a beginner and advanced rider. I have done a lot of looking on the net and plan on hitting the shops in my area but for some reason these (except the Fling) seem like difficult boards to find, especially the Nidecker. Your recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Also I think I saw recently that this year’s boards (2011-2012) will go on sale in Feb., is that true? Should a wait a few weeks to buy – I am in love with the Fling 2011-2012 graphics 
Thank you
Everything you need to know about the decks you want to ride :)
Hey there, Kimmy,
you've shortlisted some great boards. I happen to own and enjoy immensly the K2 Fling, so I can speak only about it. I'm about your height weight (5'4, 130) and I ride K2 Fling 146. It's my second board. I'm in my 6th season and 3rd on the Fling. I really think it's a great board to progress on. It's not a super pushy deck, so you'll get used to it easilly. I wouldn't say its a beginners board, but it turns nicely and is fairly forgiving, while still being lively. If you choose the Fling, I'm sure you will enjoy it many seasons, as I still do. If you can still find something more affordable - go for it :)
As for size, I's recommend you to go for something like 144 or even a bit longer. I started to struggle in my 2nd year on a 143 board, it was just too short.
You can check out my review of the fling here:
http://powderroom.net/community/reviews/lulucoconut/2010-k2-fling
Something aside: I have to add that I had a powdery start of this winter and I finally tested the Fling in the deep stuff (like 1 meter of fresh pow:)! )and it did pretty well.
Arbor Push- super fun, medium flex, AWESOME pop (thanks to camber) and light and floaty
Older Gnu Barret Christy with Camber and Mag- made my split with this board and I couldn't be happier! I can tour very easily, and I don't slip out thanks to the Mag.
Rossignol Tesla- Flexy, poppy park board. SUPER fun in mogguls!
Never Summer Lotus- My. Favorite. Board. Ever. Rocker Camber board was so dang fast! The rocker is floaty, but the camber keeps you stable. Poppy, stiff, awesome.
Check out Nidecker boards. They are top of the line boards, super high quality, always ahead of the rest, and designing amazing decks.
A bit on board size, I'm not sure on your size, but for me personally, the longer the better. I wont ride pow in anything shorter than a 157. My shortest deck is a 152 and I really wish it was a 154. And that's my in-bounds groomer deck. For reference, I weigh 130lbs.
Shorter boards are easy to turn and spin and great for park or beginners, but longer boards allow you WAY more float and speed. If you are outside of the park, and aren't a beginner, I highly suggest getting a longer board. It'll take a little getting used to. Turning takes more work, and practice to get down, but it'll only make you a better rider. And it'll also open up an entire world of boards! IMO, boards aren't gender specific. Just find something that has the length, stiffness, shape and sidewall you want, and rock it.
P.S. If some people may tell you they ride their short 148 rocker in the pow and they do just fine. That's the problem, they do "just fine". Put em on a 157 and they will be speachless.
Agreed, especially the last part. Tried a friend's 154 Darkstar and it was amazing! I rarely get to ride pow, so I stick with an in-between option lenght wise. Great post, Stefani:)
Thanks Lulu :)
By the way, you mentioned having a hard time finding Nidecker, there's some sweet ones here: http://www.chair2boardsports.com/catalog/snow/boards/nidecker
You would probably LOVE the random. It's a sick board for anyone progressing. Traditional camber (wich means POP and stability and more POP) soft flex, twin tip, and ALL RECYCLED!
Hi
I'd suggest the Never Summer Infinity instead of the Pandora. A few of my friends who were new riders tried my Infinity and bought it. Really helped them (and me) progress a lot. Good for everything.
Thank you so much for your feedback, it really helps. Guess I am going to have to get used to a longer board
Just a quick check back. I rented a 145 Burton at our resort and rode that the last two days. It didn't feel that much bigger but I had no control, feeling back at the very first day I stepped on aboard. I know it takes a while to get used to a bigger board but I am still learning and it set me way back. Especially since I was hopeing to try the park. With a lot of looking at shops and on line (thanks for the links!) I just ordered a Nidecker Elle 143 for only $200, thank you Buckles and Boots Ski shop! Obviously it was clearance and I did not have many options for size, but at that price if I progress beyond the board or just want a board for powder, I will buy another. Thank you all for your help
Those are all good boards. I have heard a lot of good things about the K2 Fling. Neversummer boards are known for being bulletproof and lasting a long time. I've ridden the Arbor Eden and really liked it too.
As for sales, most board companies have vendor agreements which prevent their products from going on sale until a certain date. This date is usually February 1st, but varies. I would expect a ton of good deals when those sales happen since most of the US is really hurting for snow this winter.