General Tsao Posted February 23, 2016 Report Share Posted February 23, 2016 Hi folks, Getting back into carving after a 15 year hiatus. I'm in the process of working with Bruce at Coiler on building out a Nirvana Balance and could really use some help on my decision with side cut radius. I have searched a bunch of threads but would love if you could help me understand the characteristics of the two options I am considering. The board specs are likely to be 178 Balance, 21 waist. Bruce has suggested the following: 12/14 or 10.5/12.7.12m As Bruce mentioned, the differences are subtle but I'd appreciate any additional insight you all can share. Thanks in advance. RC PS: I should point out that I do nearly all of my riding on the East Coast (VT). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Brammer aka PSR Posted February 23, 2016 Report Share Posted February 23, 2016 If you're riding smaller, tighter Northeast mountains, then go with the tighter sidecut. You'll only feel it being 'too turny' on runs like Standard at Stratton, or Sapphire at Okemo, and once you're back into twistier trails, you be happy about having good carves without using up the full width of the run. One nice thing with Coilers (in general) is the dampness lets them run fast easily. If the trails let you 'open it up', all you have to do is Relax, and let 'er run. If you were riding out West regularly, then I'd go for the longer sidecut, just because of trail width in general, nevermind softer, slower snow. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Gendzwill Posted February 23, 2016 Report Share Posted February 23, 2016 What PSR said. I have the 12/14 Nirvana in the 180 length and it is great but in crowded conditions or tight trails I prefer a tighter sidecut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corey Posted February 23, 2016 Report Share Posted February 23, 2016 Narrow runs on the East coast? I also vote for tighter (2nd option). You can bend a larger radius board into tight arcs, but you need speed and/or steep. I find the bigger radiuses stressful when I'm going slow or feeling at all tired. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
General Tsao Posted February 23, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 23, 2016 This is all really helpful. Thank you for taking the time to respond. Think I'm going with the tighter of the two. I still have my big 183 Volkl RennTiger GS board for the bigger, wider, less crowded days.... (Though, I say that now and probably won't ever look back given the reviews I have read of the Nirvana so far. ) Corey, that response nailed it for me. Part of my desire for a new board is to feel less stressed. My current board just seems like a lot of work...and you really have to let it run to be happy. Thank you all. RC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surf Quebec Posted February 23, 2016 Report Share Posted February 23, 2016 I ride à nirvana energy 170 12/14 and love it. I did try a nirvana 174 with the tighter radius you mentioned. I prefer the 12/14, since you're on the east coast Bruce will probably suggested to make a softer board because it handle the hardpack better. With a softer board I would go with 12/14 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tugboater Posted February 24, 2016 Report Share Posted February 24, 2016 I ride cramped Connecticut and have a 12/14 on my Stubby. I really like it on the narrow trails available down here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digger jr Posted February 24, 2016 Report Share Posted February 24, 2016 I have the energy 170 with 10.5-12.7-12. Its a great board. I think it has the widest range of speed and turn size of any board I've owed. I would think about going shorter than 178 if anything. The 170 still goes plenty fast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven Posted February 24, 2016 Report Share Posted February 24, 2016 (edited) i just got a nirvana energy a few weeks ago. I asked Bruce to make it 169, w/ a 9/10.7/10 vscr. waist is 21 as well. this thing is amazing. super tight lower speed carves, and it is so stable at hi speed, big turns as well. surprisingly forgiving and well-mannered in non-carving situations. I say go with the smaller sidecut. Edited February 24, 2016 by steven Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
workshop7 Posted February 29, 2016 Report Share Posted February 29, 2016 I have two Donek boards that are similar in length (179 and 180) but differ in sidecut much more (11 and 13). I would always, in every situation, rather be on the 13. However, I have a great time on both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueB Posted February 29, 2016 Report Share Posted February 29, 2016 When in doubt, I'd rather make an error on softer flex and tighter radius, then other way round. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
General Tsao Posted February 29, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 29, 2016 Thank you all for your solid feedback and insight. Really appreciate it. In the end, I decided to go with a 178 Nirvana Balance with the tighter radius (10.5/12.7/12m). Bruce has the order in his hands (or waiting for him when he returns from ECES) I'll be sure to report back but just wanted to take the time to thank everyone for their valued input. Cheers, RC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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