Snowboard Length 101 // What's the right board length for me?

[@oldnotwise71]

Smart people know that the greatest educators aren't just smart or have a great subject matter knowledge, they are the ones who have the gift of simplifying complex subjects and presenting the knowledge in a manor that everyone can understand. Keep up the great work.

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Wow... thank you very much!

[@casstarre4131]

My mentor always told me "If you can't simplify the explanation, so that the avarage Joe can understand and use the information. You yourself don't understand the subject well enough yet". And that is a philosophy I live by, it also keeps you humble and not push wrong or incomplete knowledge onto someone.

[@tommyhogye6068]

Curated “experts” quaking in their boots watching this

[@Daz555Daz]

Man I hate that channel so much!

[@jordinc7074]

This is good, highly recommend a demo day where you can swap every few runs to experience the differences mentioned here. You can ride many styles of boards, even if they arent your cup of tea, to at least understand how different lengths, flex, widths, sidecuts, etc. feel.

[@LeftCat]

This is a masterclass in board length. Great video. My daily driver is a 160 Wide. I just picked up a new powder board and it's the shortest board I've bought since 1996. It's a Burton Family Tree Short Stop 150. It's designed to float and be nimble to handle the tight tree runs we have here in Northern Vermont. It's so cool seeing all the newer board shapes compared to what was available in the 90s and early 2000s.

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

@@LeftCat thank you! I appreciate it!! 👍🙏

[@stufish73]

I'm 6'2" and 185lb, last season I sold my 162 Never Summer West for a Burton Family Tree Bottom Feeder also in a 150. I absolutely love it. I live Down Under and do my riding in Japan so it's perfect. A few friends of mine are lusting after a Gentemstick on our next trip. I may be tempted but I'm currently loving the short fatty Feeder.

[@outsider9216]

Oh, thank you so much for your videos! They are just great!! I’m from Russia and unfortunately there are no such informative sources in russian, so some of your videos just blew my mind and completely changed my understanding of snowboarding and snowboards. Thanks again! ❤

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Thank you so much!!

[@Mountain_Running]

Thank you for putting all these great videos out! I was surprised to hear you mention the Cartographer as I ride one in a 149 and have never seen another in the wild. I'm planning on getting a Stranda Descender for next season and am torn between the 152 and 158. I'm 5'4" 135 lbs and wear size 7 boots.

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Probably 152…..

[@Mountain_Running]

That's what i was thinking. Keep up the awesome discussion and enjoy the rest of your season! Tip incoming.​@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel

[@jplpagan]

I think it's tough to come up with a good single metric for choosing a board. Back in the day it was "between your nose and your chin" and now it is weight, which I think is better. But you're 100% right about all of the factors that go into it. Not sure what your experience is, but my experience explaining this to new and sometimes even experienced riders in the shop is that their eyes glaze over. They just want me to give them one number to buy. I think that's the reality many manufacturers are wrestling with.

[@CLGill36]

Another extremely informative video Lars. Have two days on my K2 Alchemist 159W which is now my go to carving board, very stiff and aggressive. Just picked up a volume shifted Yes Pro20 at only 148cm, but has a stiff camber profile and 28.6cm waist, hoping this will be my playful and powder day board (although I hear the Alchemist is no slouch in the powder). These two boards really highlight how the size of the board can depend on its intended purpose. Look forward to riding that Fernie pow next week.

[@hyderjoonas8425]

@CLGill36 what’s your boot size? Why the wide? I ride a 151 Bataleon PW+ and I freaking love it. Super playful, great in trees, pow, moguls and can lay some legit trenches. However, I’m looking to add a longer, more aggressive board for serious riding. I’m looking for my new charging board. I want stability at high speeds, floaty on heavy pow, can carve on ice. Not looking for something too nimble. I’m eyeing the K2 alchemist but not sure if I want to go wide or not. I’ve always ridden wide but I’ve heard that it might be too much board. I’m thinking 159W or the 163. I’m 5’10, 165lbs, 9.5 boot. What do you think? Would hate to eat it because of toe drag in a deep carve

[@CLGill36]

@@hyderjoonas8425 11.5

[@lauhanwai]

Great video - I keep a quiver to be able to mix it up. Usually something for firm snow (carving board or a park board) and a shorter/fatter for trees and powder. Has been a good combo for me. And then you add special stuff like split board, maybe a dedicated carver, variations of powder boards, and all the other boards purchased in a fit of passion that you might now regret 🤣🤣 One thing I find odd is that’s skis manufacturers don’t tend to disclose effective edge.

[@vstags]

Rode the Carveair and absolutely loved it!!

[@irsever]

Mainstream manufacturers treat board length a lot like they treat waist width. The total range of options is quite small and they pretend that someone who isn't riding their exact recommended size will be unable to control themselves. Really it's the sidecut radius and a few other factors that determine how the board rides, not the overall length. The industry is still shifted towards a freestyle setup with a nearly twin shape, even though your riding is likely far removed from that discipline. Viewers, demo a Rad-Air if you ever get the opportunity, which start around 180cm. The charging and bump eating capability is beyond belief!

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Couldn't agree more!

[@SnakebitSTI]

Manufacturers do tie flex to length, so there's some truth to the "pick the right length for your weight" thing. Although that doesn't necessarily give you the ride you want or the right stance width. And it might be too wide or narrow for your feet. Custom boards are another matter.

[@kaidame3499]

I feel what you have said about different body proportions. I'm the prime example of that 6'2 and 165lbs guy. Tend to enjoy those longer but overall softer shapes. Was a long rod to dial in and still is a point of concern while looking for new decks. Not to stiff, but not to short/narrow.

[@pnut1473]

You need to get on a ride warpig 151 or 154 great board for your size

[@stephengioacchini3946]

Great video. I was just at the Burton Flagship store here in Burlington VT and didn't get anywhere close to this information. This was very helpful.

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Glad it was helpful! ...and I'm not overly surprised... bummer!!

[@AluinKali]

Loved to have this video before I bought my new board this season, but I’ll definitely refer back to it the next time around. Though I intuitively used some of the principles you mentioned in the video. I ended up buying a Nidecker Mosquito. This might be a niche board for many but for me it’s really fun to carve, fun in pow and I don’t care for park or riding switch much anyways.

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Great board, if you like tight turns. Lot's of power!!

[@jplpagan]

Love this nerdy content!!

[@digitalysed]

Same here!!

[@maness2112]

You are right. Thats why i have 27 boards in my quiver.

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

That's a good amount, hahahaha....

[@maness2112]

@@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel thanks

[@FazeredTube]

I am so glad that I have gone through a few iterations of snowboard buying now and have a better sense of what I want. As a beginner it was bewildering even though I researched like crazy. When you don’t know enough about snowboarding to know what you want/need it is infuriating. I am also 193cm (6’4”) and 98Kg (216lbs) with US14 boots, so it makes finding the right equipment even tougher.

[@nicodemus1828384]

Would you consider an in depth review of the Descender? I can't find one.

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Yeah, might happen! Check Stranda's homepage. I wrote one there before I became an ambassador... Like 3 or 4 years ago...

[@undiacualquiera...9008]

Hi Lars! Congratulations on your videos, it is without a doubt the most valuable information you can find on the internet about many of the technical aspects of snowboarding. I have decided to buy a Stranda Biru for next season, but I have some doubts about the size. I didn't know where to ask you this question, but I leave it here because I see a lot of people interested in the same board. I am 1.88 m tall and weigh 80 kg, boot size 10 USA. My level is advanced with more than 25 years on a board. I want a board that allows me to move around the mountain and with the different types of snow that we can find in Spain, in good conditions at first and then it gets worse throughout the day. My intention is to move to positive angles, positive (duck position so far) and above all use it to carve in groomers and improve my technique. And of course, use it all day off the groomers on powder days. What do you think about the Biru size for my condition? My priority will be to use it for carving, I will always try to find the best possible conditions but in Spain this is not always easy. Due to changing snow conditions and the weight range of the board, the 1.54 size would fit me better but due to my height and main use for perfecting my carving maybe 1.57 could fit better...

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

@@undiacualquiera...9008 Both will work. Ask yourself whether you prefer stability or agility. The 154 will simply be a bit more playful. The 157 requires a little more input, but I weigh 62 Kg and ride the 157, so I’m sure your weight would help tremendously. Good luck and thank you!!🙏 😊

[@undiacualquiera...9008]

@@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel Thank you so much for your answer Lars!!😊 I don't know why, but I was expecting a similar answer... I think I'll end up flipping a coin to decide 😂

[@nemaemanema3940]

Very nice video! I have a tall and skinny friend that is contemplating buying a new board and he was only talking about the length, and I was trying to explain to him, that it's the wrong way to go about and buy a board simply by the length of it, so this video should be really helpful to him! P.S. That Makrill looks like it's been used a bit. I'm looking at it from the point of view, that it must be fun board to ride, not that it's "banged up"... I'd really love to try one some day!

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

It's a demo! Hahahaha.... They always get banged up. I ride this one myself when it's not under some tester's feet. Great board!!

[@nemaemanema3940]

@@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel That explains the appearance :D I was watching Ryan Knapton videos yesterday and he was answering someones question regarding his board and it was something crazy like 31cm waist width and a 13 or 14m sidecut radius, but didn't mention the effective edge. Have you tried Donek boards? I know they are all custom made to whatever is your fancy.

[@_one_trick_tony_]

Another amazing video! Lol I was sketching a board with a small contact edge and huge tips 😅

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Thank you!! :-)

[@therealchickentender]

Nice shirt. I was trying to listen to the video but just kept staring at the shirt. Yeti should try a longer length though... looks a bit short. (Srsly - awesome vid :) )

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

😂😂

[@nathansmall7765]

Hey Lars, love the vid. I myself am 6’2” 160lbs like you mentioned in the video and was wondering if you could expand a bit on what to look for in a board for carving/ powder. You said that someone like me should look for a longer board with softer flex, but wherever I look it seems that boards in that category have a very stiff flex. Is it all just relative? Do you have any recommendations? Much love from Arizona!

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

What’s your boot size and ability level?

[@nathansmall7765]

@@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel 9.5 US, i’d say low to middle of intermediate. I already have a board that I’m going to be riding to get better for at least another season, I was just curious as to what to look for when I go to upgrade. Thanks for responding!

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

@@nathansmall7765 as I said in the video... Get a board around at least 164, but don't buy an expert model. Tough to find such boards. Stranda make long boards for not so heavy people... The Shorty you can probably ride in the 169. Perfect powder & carving board. Meant to be ridden longer.

[@nathansmall7765]

Thanks a bunch! hope you have a great day

[@beezwaks]

I want to try longer boards. But the trails we have are narrow and icy, and off trail is rarely ridable.

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Tough one…

[@Mountain_Running]

Thanks!

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Thank you so much! Very kind of you!!

[@cmdrshprd]

For context, I’m not a total novice but I still have a ton to learn. Size 12 boot (155lbs), and when I rented in park city they put me on a 144 burton hometown hero. Good thing I don’t know how to carve yet! I actually had a great time and didn’t realize that it’s not a good board for my size until I checked the specs later

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

😮😮😮

[@cmdrshprd]

@@Justaride-Snowboard-Channelthanks for all your content. Glad to be learning these things from your videos instead of from injuries on the mountain ❤

[@MatthewsAG]

Thank you for the great explanation and examples. I'm 6'5 and about 180lbs with a size 12 boot. Long time looking for something but finally landed on a Salomon Louif 163. Really not looking for something too long for staying nimble in the trees. What are your thoughts?

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Probably a good park board for someone your size...

[@brohammer]

Damn! 6’5” 180 I wish I was that thin 😆

[@keagostax1630]

5 foot 9 size 8.5 boots 130-135lbs what board length would u reccomend for park riding

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

@@keagostax1630 probably something around a 152. 150 is minimum, imo. 156 is maximum. Don’t forget that flex is very important. If it’s a stiffer board, stay on the short side. If it’s dedicated park, also stay on the short side regardless of stiffness. Public make some cool park sticks!

[@keagostax1630]

@@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel so i live in revy and was looking for a directional board for deep pow, carving, trees, cliff drops and the board im looki g at has a 154 and a 157 do you think i could ride the 157 or would the 154 suit me better

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

@@keagostax1630 sorry, but I can’t answer that. As you may have understood from the video above his depends much on the particular board and your riding level.

[@meisterkleister1262]

Danke!

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Danke DIR!!

[@Rancor39]

Lars sorry if you covered this already but would you mind sharing how tall you are and what stance widths you ride on your boards? Thanks

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

It's somewhat irrelevant, because of my proportions. I'm 5'9.5" but have the inseam of the average 6'1" person combined with the pelvis/hip with of a teenager... Hahaha (29 waist in pants, bony...). I ride 53cm most of the time. 51 on the Cheater 200, sometimes 55 on the Descender. Depends a lot on mobility (which I don't have much of) and how your femur sits in your hip socket... So all my info from the videos is just a starting point for an average person. It can't be much better. People have to experiment consciously and pay attention to what changes with the changes made. Have fun! :-)

[@Rancor39]

@@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel thanks Lars that is really helpful info to have for comparison.

[@brohammer]

Hey Lars- can you check out the lib tech skunk ape c3 (camber) ultra wide in 170 and let me know what you think of it ? For an off the shelf board it seems perfect for me as I’m 6’3” and around 230lbs with a 12 boot. I’m really looking at the cheater but I’m worried it’s a tad too small width wise. Thoughts ?

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

That may work as a board for you. Lib almost always build the boards with a twin flex. I prefer stiffer tail than nose. But that’s preference.

[@brohammer]

@@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel thank you for the quick reply!

[@digitalysed]

Oh man, I’m a 158 / 159, that’s my sweet spot! 🤣😂🤣

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Can't do a 160, dawg!!

[@digitalysed]

Hahaha

[@cb1p111]

He is teaching him how to split ski? 2:42 Didn't get the joke... Maybe because I'm German. At the end of the season... When it's cold and no firewood is left... I'll go in my backyard... TO SPLIT SKI. NO NEED TO SPLIT BOARDS...

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Split skiing is skiing on a splitboard!! In tour mode! The joke was that I'm not having a skier on my shirt, but a snowboarder after all... ;-)

[@Bohdisattva326]

Ultra dream is an amazing deck. I regret selling it

[@bopuc]

Yeah never understood this "fixed board length" mentality. Same with stances. Use what works for the conditions on the day, the situation of the terrain available, and the kind of riding/feelings you want to do/have that day. Sure, if you can't afford more than one board, and/or you can only get out once in a while, the practical line leads to finding an optimal size/shape to cover you ("daily drivers", "quiver killers", "quiver of one")… but believing that only one size (and only one stance) is the "right one" for you? That's ridiculous right? :) (My boards range from 157 to 178. I ride with dudes who are 5 foot and they spend most of the season on 208cm Nitro Canons… Not only is it possible, it's what they want.)

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

...and so it is... :-)

[@musashiblade8665]

I’m 5’3” and an average weight of 125 lbs. I’ve ridden hard boots on a Rossi Race board in a 161 length. I found it I had to work the tail swing to get started a bit. But once I built up my friend the “speed” it would setup nicely into a most satisfying carving experience. My outlook was “just ride it” don’t think through it so much. Everyone commented on the length I was riding because of being small in physical stature. Sometimes I feel the size is a psychological effect. When I go shorter in length it feels odd and questionable. I just recently purchased a Jones flagship in a 158 length. I hope it gives me the same vibes as my race board did. Excellent explanation of the difference in lengths in your video. Ride on and peace from the North East 🏂✌️

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Thanks man!!

[@martinbailly573]

Amazing analysis ! Once again you are right on ! Many shops reps should have this knowledge to really help their customers! Great video ! Thanks !

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Thank you very much! I tried to create that kind of base of understanding at Edge Of The World here in Fernie, and the team there is pretty awesome with this. It’s the companies / the industry as a whole that needs to grow up and stop treating every snowboard as a fun, colourful toy that is part of a hype/trend…. Being a little nerdy gets people on more appropriate gear! 😎

[@timhunt7155]

How is the makrill in tight trees deep powder? I want a board that’s nimble and easy in Japan deep, and can be a bit of fun on carve groomers to lift. I like the look of it but was told possibly go tree hunter over makrill?

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Oh wow…. Tree hunter is very much pow only. Sketchy ride for hard snow with that profile and stiff nose flex. Makrill as a tree board is amazing. Insanely quick. And for carving, just watch my last carving technique video; that’s on the Makrill. 😊

[@dilligaf2403]

thank you so much for your videos, you're obviously an excellent carver and you explain things very well! I see the cheater wide but what is the gray board behind you with bindings mounted and how does it compare to the cheater for carving? thanks again.

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Descender 162W. Big Mountain Freeride. Great carver, but doesn't beat the Cheater... It's an off piste monster that eats up chunder like nothing I've ever ridden. Best freeride board out there - saying this after 10 years on the great Jones Flagship.

[@dilligaf2403]

How does the carving of the shorty wide compare to both of them? Looking to buy a Stranda but have some questions to focus on. Thanks again for your time.@@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel

[@kaidame3499]

Well - such a nice talk through. Maybe you can clarify this one for me an every body else once and forever 🙏 Contact length and running length is the same and is measured like you described it. Straight line from contact point to contact point. While effective edge is measured alongside the curce from contact point to contact point 🤷‍♂️? Or is it still the same measurement as those other two variations?

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Great question, frustrating answer: As far as I know contact length SHOULD BE the BASE contact length. Base that touches the snow when the rider is standing on it! So on a rocker board the contact length increases with the rider on the board, while on a camber board it decreases slightly (if that makes sense...). Effective edge is the amount of edge touching the snow when the board is in a turn (contact point to contact point). From what I've seen and heard from various manufacturers, the industry is a bit of a gong show, and there are no standard measuring methods Some companies measure the curve, others measure a straight line from contact point to contact point. Then some call their effective edge 'contact length' to complete the nightmare!! I found out all of this by learning how to measure myself years ago, and I have my own reference, as otherwise I can't possibly compare boards with how inconsistence this is. Mervin take it to the next level: on some boards they measure setback off of the effective edge (which is correct), and on others they measure it off of the physical length of the board (which is utter nonsense)... I know this straight from them. My answer here sums up why I started this channel.... :-) It's wild! Snowboards are treated like toys with fun, colourful graphics! Nobody cares... Finding Stranda has given me some peace on that end, hahaha... ;-)

[@kaidame3499]

@@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel Kinda got it 🙈 So next time I Grab my Board and take it into the shop while looking for a new deck. For example Capita lists some of the longest effective edges on their specs. Nitro on the other hand has some very short running length specified ... some of them I really enjoy as a tall light guy. I kinda have an idea why I didn't like riding Capita boards in the past. Never was enjoying how they turned. They always felt straight to me if this is the right way to describe it.

[@kaidame3499]

Just had to check on my current Nitro board. It says 1090mm running length in the specs. Just come close to this number, when I press the camber down and measure all the base touching the floor. From contact point to contact point (middle of widest point) it's somewhat 80mm longer, coming in at 1170mm. Still a long way to go to reach those numbers Capita is claiming on similar shaped boards in their lineup 🤷‍♂️

[@evanjohnson1740]

Ive been riding for 25 years and am 6'2, 210-220 size 11 boots. I grew up riding a full camber 166 for 15 years. I went to a 159 and 156 orca. Didn't like rocker and so much less effective edge for stability. Then bought a 163 berzerker, and also a 165w flagship. I found I love riding stiff, stable boards. So I found a nitro pantera 166w and purchased it. I won't be able to ride it until next season but get intimidated by how much effective edge there is being full camber and extremely stiff. I'm advanced/expert and love riding steep technical terrain in the PNW. Will it take some time getting used to full camber in a long stiff package?

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Yeah… the Pantera in that length is quite a Beast!! That’s my main reason for Stranda: I can opt for a long board without being punished by crazy stiffness. Maybe for your weight it’ll be just fine. It surely doesn’t compare to your Orca… 😅 It’s subjective… you’ll see. It’s a great board, but you certainly can’t be lazy on it!!

[@evanjohnson1740]

@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel I thought about getting the 163w but I don't think it would make much of a difference with the stiffness.

[@brianp9268]

We are almost identical size except im size 8 boots. I ride in New Hampshire and Vermont. I have 5 snowboards ranging from 147 to 158. I agree the fears about more length are overblown. My longest board is one of my stiffest so its definitely noticeable, but not ‘hard’ to ride. It’s perfect for the right conditions.

[@noajonssonsvahn7962]

This is gold.

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Thanks man 🙏

[@paulserwatuk4806]

Im looking for a dedicated carver very hard choice.

[@warrens4808]

Love this... early on, and as a stocky person I focused on effective edge. My favorite short board was the first Santa Cruz XXX 155 ('94-'95). I believe it had an effective edge of 1250 (I wish I could find those specs), and both the nose and tail were little stubs. I also think it had a very large sidecut radius (8+) for its size. I used to carve that thing really well. I still have the second iteration of that board in my garage. All that said, it feels like the trend is moving back towards larger sidecut radii and longer effective edges?

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Thanks for sharing! Not sure I can see that trend, but we'll see! :-)

[@TaoSong-w8q]

This is the only person talking something about the snowboard length correctly, I have seen by far. Kudos for you! And many thanks!

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Thanks so much!! Check out my other videos, too. I hope you'll find more useful content there. Share the love! It's still such a small channel... 🙂

[@Cocora22]

Funny I'm watching this because a few weeks ago I started thinking about what I wanted as a second board. I have been on a Burton 149 Feelgood for a number of years. At 5 feet and at the time 135 pounds plus a bit younger I felt pretty good. I have the the rocker one. So I thought being lighter now, older (71) I thought maybe something softer shorter and lighter might not be a bad idea. I got the Arbor Mantra at 144, also a rocker board. It felt easier to turn, still great on groomers and surprisingly enough at least to me it steered me around moguls a lot better. It's hard to figure out what to buy since trying out boards is just not really feasible, seems more of a crap shoot.

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Amazing that you're still riding!!! Good on you! Inspirational! 🙏 It's not a crap shoot with the right guidance. But that is hard to find...

[@tbaart4428]

How’s that Stranda Makrel? Are you gonna make a review on it? I had a korua dart but sold it recently. Looking for another dedicated powder/carving board.

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Makrill is much tighter turning in the tail than a Dart. Large taper on Dart makes for more open, fast, big turns. Makrill is more surfstyle, quick, slash off the lip type turns. Both great boards!!

[@UncIe_Drew]

Thank for this video. It is very helpful as I have a board picked out but am struggling with the size. I turned 48 this summer and in 35 years or so of riding I've always ridden the same basic type do it all board. This year i want to experiment a bit more. And settled on a couple of boards in the snow surf genre i guess both being labeled in the hybrid powder freeride catagory but on different ends of the spectrum. I'd like to chat about 1 of them here or at least its size. I have been comparing effective edges but only to similar boards and not my old ones. So thanks. I found I generally like a board in the 160-162 range. Long time ago i bought a longer wide board that was very very stiff. And this turned me off from longer stuff even if it has been over 20 years now. Lol Ok so 180lbs 6' with size 11.5 boots. Do you ever take into account your height with boots on? Or how much a binding rises you up? So i was wanting a board that was more nimble and maneuverable and just more playful then the stiffer boards I usually ride. I like to duck into the trees a lot and I do find very tight trees at times around here. I dont really do jumps or drops to be honest. So I thought about trying a volume shifted board but really dont want to be on a crazy short board. This will not really be all mountain but reality is it will find all kinds of conditions. So I am looking at a board that is a 157w or 160w. I've never rode anything under 160 so I have hard time judging this. The 157w has an effectice edge of 118cm and the 160w is at 121cm effective edge. Both are shorter effective edges than my 160 full camber board. This new board will be rocker tips and camber between the feet. Different profiles so its hard to compare. Both are plenty wide at 26.8 and 27.1 waist widths. With a deeper side cut then I have ridden before, being progressive about 7.5 entry and exits and about 6.8 in the middle. For the 157w I am perfectly in the middle of the weight range but 1 inch taller then recommended. The 160w weight is middle of bottom half of range and fine on height recommendation. Should I cross off the 157w as being too short? I was wanting to try a short board to be able to throw it around easily but am on the fence if thats needed or would be much different to the 160w. I did also pick up a 162 and stiffer in this catagory. Has an effective edge of 121 which would be the same as the 160w board im debating on. This year I wanted a 2 board quiver in the snow surf / powder freeride catagory to experiment with. The 162 is the stiffer more drawn out carver of the 2. But its this shorter more maneuverable board that i want that I am struggling to pick the size on. For referece my old do it all board had an effective edge of 127 as i measure it. I still have a 160 & 164 all mountain boards as back ups. Next year i may add a new longer board. Any insight into going to that 157w or to just cross it off would be apreciated. Really not sure how sonething in the length and edge length will react.

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

@@UncIe_Drew hi and thanks for the comment. Those numbers alone without the flex of the board, your ability level and predominant riding conditions don’t mean all that much. One big thing to note is that going from old school camber to camber with early rise makes any board much, much easier to pivot and maneuver. I offer proper gear consultation phone calls, too. This is quite involved and time consuming over text. 👍🙏

[@UncIe_Drew]

@@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel Hello, thanks the reply. Sorry for the bombardment of info there. I knew I would leave out some vital info! Rider ability - advanced/expert (but older/slower/safer as I age) minus dropping cliffs. Maybe not an expert at carving but I have no issue getting a board leaned over pretty far. Board flex = mid stiff and 7/10 rated by the company. I think it feels softer then that but may be due to the rocker tips. Riding style - trees - glades and tight aspens, powder hunting, and just messing around with the family at times. So I'm looking for maneuverability and something to slash around on. Though I know myself and will at times take this board to less then ideal situations. I'm ok with that. It's a quiver board. Just not sure where to draw the line between maneuverability and stability. It would be a160w for sure if my only board so maybe that's just what I do. Should also maybe mention it is a tapered board. I'm off to go to the store and talk to them staked with things I've learned from your video. If I still haven't figured it out I may look to set up a call.

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

@@UncIe_Drew waist width on the boards? Do you want to aim for appropriate clearance for carving at all? Wider can but doesn’t have to mean less maneuverable…. depends on torsional flex….

[@UncIe_Drew]

@@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel 157w has 26.8 waist. 160w has a 27.1 waist. And yes I do want to have appropriate size for carving. My current boot set on the 157w with no binding at 0 degree had about an inch overhang in the rear.

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

@@UncIe_Drew sorry, you did say that in the og message… Anyhow, which are the actual boards you’ve eyed up?

[@meisterkleister1262]

Hallo Lars, sehr lange bin ich jetzt schon auf der Suche nach einem passenden Carvingboard für mich! Ich bin dieser Typ Mann den du anfangs beschreibst; 170 cm 90 kg nur leider kommen dann auch noch kleine Füße dazu (Ride insano 8,5😢) Ich hab alle deine Videos gesehen! Mein Ziel: so tief in die kurve mit Posi posi wie möglich ;) Da es sehr schwierig is kompetente Verkäufer zu finden, hast du vielleicht einen Tipp welcher Hersteller so spezifische Boards herstellt? 🙄 Lg aus Wien!

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Wie lang darf das board denn sein? Die Frage is extrem schwer zu beantworten mit den tausenden von Brettern da draußen...

[@meisterkleister1262]

@@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel Die Länge is grundsätzlich egal. Ich fahr seit 12 Jahren. Ja ich weiß die Frage is schwierig.. Danke trotzdem!

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

@@meisterkleister1262 mein lieblings carving board ist Stranda Cheater 170. Das kannst du problemlos fahren mit deinem Gewicht. Radius is 8,5m, also easy!! Die effektive Kante ist 143 cm...... so viel grip, aber ein freundliches, laufruhiges Brett!

[@jerryb63]

This one video is probably one of the best single sources of board buying info out there. It’s taken me years of trial and error and studying spec sheets to try to figure out the best board choice for me. I have to fly to the snow so I can only take two boards max and they have to do every condition and terrain for the trip, so it’ll be a compromise whatever I take, but means it’s even more important to find what suits me and can work ‘across the piste’. The one thing little mentioned here though is sidecut radius, but you’ve covered it well on other clips. 20 years ago in Tahoe I bought a 165 full camber with 9.4m radius and around 1430mm effective edge. It was fast, stable and great for long carves at speed. Get it on a lumpy crowded narrow at the end of the day and it wasn’t fun at all, you had to be on your A-game and committed to control it and I lacked the skills, and I had no idea about specs back then. Went a bit shorter and never regained that ability to fire out of a turn and get airborne, the tails would wash out if I tried. Then overhang became a problem as boots and stance changed and I got heavier. Now on volume shifted but short 7m sidecuts (I didn’t realise) so great for sharper turns and wide for big boots, but not so good on fast sweeping turns. In fact I don’t really get the marketing of ‘volume shifted’, and downsizing , it only makes sense in powder where float matters or spins, you end up with a short EE and sidecut as well. Why not just call them short/wide and not advise people to downsize, just say that you can and still retain width. I’m a fan of them but wish I’d gone for the longest to get the width and moderate length/cut, and ignored the ‘size down’ advice. Horses for courses I guess! But this video highlights the differences and helps make that informed choice.

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Thanks man!! Love your take on Short Fats... Video coming soon! I'm entirely with you there! The marketing is so flawed and ridiculous... :-)

[@kamiofthejunglistsoulja]

What is your take on the relationship between side cut and effective edge? As the previous poster said, it seems the short/smalls can still carve hard, but at much lower speeds or else they wash out. P.S. Just picked up a Stranda Cheater and it was incredible. I couldn’t find the end of its grip, it gave me so much confidence. Looking forward to using it to help me on my quest for the pencil line run.

[@jerryb63]

@@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel I’ll be in Italy next week and I’ll get to compare the K2 excavator I got last year (58, I wish I’d got the 62) to a new Korua Transition Finder in 160. It’s a centimetre wider all over and the EE is longer as it has a little less of a shovel nose with a longer softer edge contact point into it and a 8.2m sidecut so it’ll be interesting to see if it’ll work as a one-board all conditions ride. I’m 186cm and 86kg 45boots but without your skills so I’m hoping I can still chuck it around the lumpy stuff and hopefully trees and stuff off the sides while being a bit more versatile for carving. Would love to try a 170w cheater though.

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

@@kamiofthejunglistsoulja hey! Sorry just seeing this comment now..... Check out this video.Maybe it'll answer your question... kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3Sri6eBer-IadUsi=LAH7twEu2mZ9G-Rv May I ask whether you came t the Cheater through this channel? Would be great to know! Thank you!!

[@kamiofthejunglistsoulja]

@@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel Yes, I found the board through your channel. I tried a few different boards and even an alpine board trying to find a board the suited my style and ability. I thought that the description you gave of the board and my current understanding of the specs I thought I was looking for meant it would likely be a good fit. I only got out on it one day, but it was fantastic. Held on the morning ice, and just let me push as harder than I had on any other board. By mid day it was all mush and moguls and I was still able to ride hard. I didn’t get bucked around and I wasn’t getting pounded by the board. I was quite shocked how much fun it was through normally tiring conditions. Looking forward to making it my daily driver next season and see how far I can progress.

[@jessehill3780]

Interesting and makes a lot of sense. Is contact length same as effective edge? If so I’m a bit confused then since I have two boards a GNU RC 157.5 that has a 119 contact length and then I got a GNU hyper 160 that says it has a 117 contact length. They should ride fairly close which is what I was after since I love how playful and quick the RC is but just wanted a second directional powder board with same character. The hyper 160 is great and did what I want but I’d still say it’s not as quick to turn even though technically contact length is shorter. Maybe it’s just because it’s stiffer? Either way both work but seems I like turny boards so good to know I should stick around a 120 contact length. 6ft 180lbs.

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Incredible but true: some manufacturers call effective edge contact length, others call the base length that touches the ground contact length (which is correct)... It's nuts! It's all over the map! Mervin are the worst: on some boards they measure setback off of the effective edge (which is the way to go) and on others they measure it off of the physical board length (which is utter nonsense)..... It's so disappointing that snowboarding is such a fashion show where few people care... Sorry for the negativity, but man..... It's simply sad!

[@jessehill3780]

@@Justaride-Snowboard-Channelyea totally understandable when there’s no real standards. Same can be said for oil weights is suspension fluids where one brands 5w is another’s 7w etc.. but at least there is a viscosity at 40c cst rating to fall back on. Either way both boards worked out for what I wanted but I do find myself interested in a fast ultra turny pow board like your first board.

[@elho001]

​@@Justaride-Snowboard-ChannelNothing wrong with a good and well justified rant. 😀

[@Rancor39]

Your hyper is probably wider which could contribute to sluggish turning. Also I don’t know how they measure EE on an asym board it would be different theoretically on each side. But heel side to heelside RC should turn in way faster with shorter sidecut radius think it was 7 or less while hyper is an 8. I would also imagine longer EE on RC must be measured off heelside edge but toeside would be less than that of hyper. Not knocking either board I ride and like both

[@jessehill3780]

@@Rancor39waist width is about same 25.6 hyper vs 25.5 RC (mine a bit older and I think 25.3 but pretty close). I think you’re onto something with the radius though. It was one thing I couldn’t decide between hyper and orca is hyper is narrower but mellower radius where orca is wider but tighter radius. I had a wide board in the past and didn’t like the response in trees so I stuck with traditional narrower. Love both boards but eventually I’ll have to try an orca or similar just to find out for myself what handles better in powder tree runs for me. And yes the RC is quite the fun little zippy board in an out of trees in mellower soft days.

[@dawidjuros474]

I must do a break at 8:03 it's time to work... But I'm soooo impresed and would listen, than grab My gear and move on to find some snow if I could. Your Wisdom makes Me wanna ride and experiment. Thank You Sir... Bro 😎😎😎🔥🔥🔥🏂🏂🏂💪💪💪🏄🏄🏄

[@elho001]

To cite Angry Snowboarder: Snowfever is real. 😜

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

Thank you so much!! :-)

[@Bohdisattva326]

Almost every person I know rides a board that’s too small for them the calls the board “washy” - sketchy at speed. and complains about “edgehold”. I’m looking at u “the good ride” 😊

[@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel]

I hear ya! Not sure what The Good Ride are saying, but at the end of the day it's the snowboard industry dictating this mindset of 'go shorter, it's better for you! so much more fun!' without telling the whole story. It's personal preference, and you're right, I hear the same thing a lot. But most people wouldn't consider that length is the issue, because all they hear everywhere is that they should buy this new downsized thing here! People are being scared away from longer lengths, because those boards are all way too stiff ; like, built for people that weigh 240 lbs+.... Thing to consider: building shorter boards is cheaper, while the board's price stays the same.... My personal conspiracy! :-) Hahaha....

[@Bohdisattva326]

@@Justaride-Snowboard-Channel 10000%. Great video