Board Length and Stiffness vs. Stance Width

[jnshapiro]

Is there some sort of relationship here? I'm riding a fairly short Axxess (167) for my weight (185lbs). I can carve it just fine but can't really crank out a tight turn to shed speed (I had it layed over pretty dang far and was dragging my body on the snow). I'm a bit on the short side, but stocky and pretty strong (5'7" tall).

I got a lesson yesterday from local carver Ian Kent (used to rep for Pure Carve) and he suggested that with the board length I am on and the stiffness, I ought to narrow up my stance a little to tighten the flex pattern.

Is there anything to this? It sounds plausible.

BTW, Ian really knows his stuff. The 2 hours we spent were fantastic! I really learned a lot. If any of you want a lesson and can go to Kirkwood, let me know and I'll get you in contact with him.

[BlueB]

Absolutely correct. With narrower stance you'll flex the board more. However, the tradeover is the stabillity...

[mr_roboteye]

He's right, but you didn't say how wide your stance is now.

I've had a couple of 167's. I looked on Donek's site and if your board is the same as the specs, a 9.6 metre radius is a really deep sidecut for a 167. In comparison, the factory prime 167 has a 12.29 metre, and I have a mistral sonic that is a 13 metre.

Something around 17 or 18 inches should do the trick, putting more weight in the middle of the board to decamber it adequately.

Dave R.

[jdgang]

let me know how you make out with that. I happen to be around the same weight and size...180 lbs 5'6" and I am riding a FP167 this year. (if the east coast ever gets snow). On my Speed 160 I am riding 19" stance and find it the most comfortable and stable. I tried 18" and 20". angles around 51 f/b. I was planning on a 19" as well on the FP

[jnshapiro]

My stance was about 19 3/4. I moved everything just a little bit closer together (1 hole) and will try it out on Tuesday. I might go a little bit closer if it seems to be helping.

Thanks!