Scorpio Posted January 16, 2013 Report Share Posted January 16, 2013 Have any of you guys ever decided to bust out any of your shorter decks on a given day? I have a 149cm Burton Speed that I built up for an ex-gf but since she never got into it, it just sits in my closet gathering dust. I was thinking about giving it a ride as I've never ridden it before the next time I hit the mountain. I typically ride a 159 or a 185 depending on the day and group. I'm an average size adult male (ie. 5'10 etc...) In reality, it's only a difference of 10cm (4in) from my normal slalom deck but I'm also thinking it probably wouldn't make too much of a difference ridewise. I don't want to get all caught up on measurements and numbers but I just wanted to hear if you guys ever do this. And if so, is the experience that much different? I'm asking because I just don't want to waste my time with something that I'll want to swap out after a couple runs. My gut is that this thing will just be super fun and "whippy" on the mountain. Thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingCrimson Posted January 16, 2013 Report Share Posted January 16, 2013 That's really small, but its not the length that will get you, its the flex. Smaller boards are made for smaller people and consequently are softer. I rode an oxygen 149..it wasn't fun, it just felt like the board was uncomfortably flexed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corey Posted January 16, 2013 Report Share Posted January 16, 2013 Completely agree with KingCrimson - the flex is what's important. A 149 Speed is going to be super soft for an adult male (I'm assuming you're an adult male). I love riding shorter slalom-type boards (with flex appropriate to my weight) - they react very quickly and reveal any flaws in your technique quickly. I've got a 167 Coiler VSR with a 10.5m sidecut, it's a hoot on anything from an icy green run to a black run. It has a lower carvable speed limit than my 182 board, but I don't always need to go so fast my cheeks are flapping. I like it so much that I've got a 160-ish Angry (9.5m sidecut) being built very soon. It's really fun to switch between long and short boards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beckmann AG Posted January 17, 2013 Report Share Posted January 17, 2013 Do it. See what the board will teach you. Took a few runs on a Rossi VAS 153 @5'9"180. Was like riding a fresh watermelon seed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bumpyride Posted January 17, 2013 Report Share Posted January 17, 2013 My first carving board was a 149? Burton Alp. Wasn't into carving so much as off piste so it was a blast. 5'9" and 150 at the time. I've found that the Burton Ultraprime 156 that I ride on everyday except powder days is just about right, but it does kind of fold or should I say doesn't really hold on a hard carve. A couple or runs, what have you got to lose? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingCrimson Posted January 17, 2013 Report Share Posted January 17, 2013 I wouldn't ride it. I would sell it. Challenge yourself on harder terrain not less appropriate equipment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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