Carvin' Marvin Posted January 28, 2018 Report Share Posted January 28, 2018 I'm looking to add something spicy to the quiver, but I'm not sure where to start. Something fast, snappy, and poppy. Virus? Pogo? Oxess? Never been on a virus, but I hear they are exciting which is what I'm looking for. Frank pointed me in the direction of his Lightning and Interceptor boards. I know nothing of Pogos, but they sure are sexy. I rode the custom Bomber Oxess, and I wasn't too impressed. It rode really well, but I can't say it made me want one. It seems Shred Grummer and Big Canuck are all about the custom Oxess so there is probably more to them than what I experienced. I just wanted to hear what y'all have to say before I drop $1500+ on a toy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
workshop7 Posted January 28, 2018 Report Share Posted January 28, 2018 Hard to make a suggestion without having some idea of your current quiver. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carvin' Marvin Posted January 28, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 28, 2018 1 hour ago, workshop7 said: Hard to make a suggestion without having some idea of your current quiver. I've got a room full but my proteus is my favorite and daily driver so something along those lines just shinier and more exotic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
workshop7 Posted January 28, 2018 Report Share Posted January 28, 2018 (edited) I feel the same way about my Proteus. I keep hearing great things about the Kessler. @Jack Michaud has been raving about his 168. Edited January 28, 2018 by workshop7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slapos Posted January 28, 2018 Report Share Posted January 28, 2018 Take a look at SGs - I am especially fond of Full Race 163/ Full Carve 163 Second choice would be Apex - http://www.apex-snowboards.com/ - I also own a 162 SL board from them, custom flex to 85 kgs and board has been riding like a dream, with a ton of pop. Virus - tried a couple - never liked them - pricing is extreme too - if you are lucky for a price of a virus you can get two SGs or 2 Apex Pogo - I cant recall when they have changed something in their lineup - they look kinda old fashioned but I guess people can like that too. I think they offer only camber boards. Last question - why would you go for a european board having Donek and Coiler there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigwavedave Posted January 28, 2018 Report Share Posted January 28, 2018 (edited) I'd second the SG163 full race. One of the most fun and versatile boards I've ridden, especially if you ride at a smaller or crowded hill, short runs, so you can have time to catch your breath. If you really like that single sidecut ride of the Proteus, I don't think you can get a custom Kessler or SG, so you're stuck with a wide-range variable scr. I'd be curious about a Thirst board, although it's not Euro. Algunderfoot (who has ridden and owned a lot of exotic boards) wrote a pretty glowing review of his new board in the carving boards section. Edited January 28, 2018 by bigwavedave 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pokkis Posted January 28, 2018 Report Share Posted January 28, 2018 If you look Euro board, look also Oxsess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skategoat Posted January 28, 2018 Report Share Posted January 28, 2018 (edited) If you're looking for snap and pop, you're not looking for a race board. A race board is meant to be damp so that it stays in contact with the snow on a rutted race course. This is probably why you didn't like the Oxess. Jack probably likes his 168 Kessler because it's not meant to be a race board. It's a stiff, all round men's carver that is not unmanageable. Now, if you want something exciting, hop on a 185 Kessler and head down a steep, narrow run with trees on both sides. That will be an exciting ride for sure. Edited January 28, 2018 by skategoat 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carvin' Marvin Posted January 28, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 28, 2018 Thanks for all the tips! Lots to take in. I've never heard an ill word spoken of the SG 163 and apparently everyone loves their Thirst boards. Those are both far more economical than what I was looking at. I have a lot of down time at work to look at shiny things so I probably need talked down off this expensive ledge I'm on! Im typically a turny across the fall line kind of rider typically so maybe a short race deck would add some spice and variety. I'll give Mark at Thirst a call too. Slapos- I've got a few Coilers and been on a couple other Doneks. Great boards but looking for something new Skategoat- I took out a friend's Oxess 185 racer on a semi crowded slope today and yeah, it was all the wrong kind of exciting lol. Not my flavor. I should probably be thinking about how much overtime I have to work to afford something rather than going off how shiny it is ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ladia Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 Virus. Lightning and Interceptor are great boards and Frank can make them wider if you don't like too skinny boards. I had Interceptor wide there is also Interceptor soft. Harder you ride these boards better they behave. I have now two boards based on Lightning in process, actually they waiting for my lazy ass to finish top sheet graphic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surf Quebec Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 I did not see any review on the plasma snowboard but the wood topsheets sure look good.(plasmasnowboards.com). I'd like to see a review on those. I met a great rider this weekend and he was riding a custom made JJA snowboard. JJA can make you a top of the line board for sure ( after the Olympics) if you want a non european board. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack M Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 I have yet to pay $1500 for a board, but I think I'm close. I got that Kessler 168 on sale from Bomber in the fall, 40% off. I am loving it. I think there is something special about that sidecut. I swear it seems to work better than just a 2 or 3 radius VSR. And this thing will definitely launch you. The Kessler SL 162 has a sidecut range of 7-12m. This 168 is 8-12m. It seems about as stiff as SG and F2 slalom boards I've flexed by hand. I got first and second in two USASA slaloms on it a few weeks ago at Sunday River, and it's been my go-to freecarver so far this year. I could see myself shelling out for a custom 178 version. Same idea just 2m longer. It's a very difficult thing to justify when we have Donek, Coiler, Prior, and Thirst here at a significant savings and the performance is so close. The Proteus strikes a great balance between lively and damp, as does the Nirvana Energy. Very fun boards. However there is something cool about riding what the World Cup guys are using. It's a bit of a white whale for me. I'm not getting any younger (44 next month) so I may as well treat myself while I can still enjoy it to the fullest. Also, this is my life, this is what I do, this is a big part of why I get out of bed and go to work, so why limit myself? Saving $500 or so over the lifespan of a board seems silly in that context. I also got a barely used stock Kessler 180 here for $900. I figured I'd give it a whirl and sell it if I didn't like it. Well, it's been a revelation for my Wednesday night beer league racing pursuits. The thing is made to go around gates, fast. It's too much for freecarving at Sugarloaf, but I enjoyed freecarving it between race runs at Sunday River on their wider, less steep slopes. Let me tell you... when you get this thing up to speed, load it up and release, you are going for a long sail through the air. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keenan Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 23 hours ago, bigwavedave said: I'd be curious about a Thirst board, although it's not Euro. Algunderfoot (who has ridden and owned a lot of exotic boards) wrote a pretty glowing review of his new board in the carving boards section. I just picked up the Thirst XC 171 last week. It looks like a $1,500 "exotic" board, rides like a dream, and cost $900. I also have some Doneks and Coilers, which I can't complain about. Some people prefer to pay for the big name brand that works the same as the lesser priced item. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queequeg Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 (edited) I have a few Viruses with varying characteristics. Generally speaking: the harder you push them the more fun they are. If your inputs are tentative, you won’t enjoy them. They tend to prefer a less mid-weighted style and a bit more pressure on the nose. Right now I have an older but beloved 183gs and a zylon berserker 183. They’re totally different boards, and loads of fun. I ride the berserker most of the time its very liveley and can really rocket you out of a turn. The 183 gs is very smooth and very grippy on hard snow. I used to have a 186 gs that was crazy damp and had no speed limit whatsoever. Edited January 29, 2018 by queequeg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 (edited) Just chiming in on the Thirst bandwagon. If you want something poppy and turny, I think you will really enjoy a Thirst, and as Keenan said, the price point is very attractive vs. the other boards you mentioned. I have two days in on my new Thirst - it's a Superconductor (175 cm freecarver), and it definitely fits the bill. It's grippy like my metal Monster, but with the pop of a glass board - a very sweet ride. I believe that Mark has a couple of orders in the queue ahead of you at the moment, but you should definitely at least have a chat with him. If you can make it to Oregon, I would be willing to entertain a demo ride too... Edited January 29, 2018 by Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
big canuck Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 (edited) Yes, Oxess is my go to board and brand. BUT sounds like you didn't love the one you tried so don't just take my word for it. I have owned 8-10 Oxess's and they are some of the finest build quality I have owned (I don't know of too many alpine brands I haven't owned, Madd, Coiler, Virus, Apex, Kessler, F2, SG, Prior, Donek, Burton, Sims, Tomahawk, JJA, Alpine Punk, Pogo etc) I like the customizability they offered me, from length, SCR, width, Insert quantity and placement, shape etc. Coiler, JJA and Donek have also done custom boards for me and they are absolutely superb as well no question. The one thing I really like is how durable the Oxess whips are. (not to say the other boards aren't durable, cause they truly are, Its prob just the top sheet's ability to keep it looking like new I like) They ride very quiet and super damp. Poppy but not launchy (if that's a word) Edge hold is very very good My $0.02. Take it for what its worth. Re reading your post, if youre after " Something fast, snappy, and poppy" I'd guess the Virus sounds to be most likely what you're after in my opinion Edited January 29, 2018 by big canuck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael.a Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 18 hours ago, Surf Quebec said: I did not see any review on the plasma snowboard but the wood topsheets sure look good.(plasmasnowboards.com) I'm almost positive I reviewed my 185 Plasma CE someplace here. Phenomenal and beyond beautiful board, very well built. Great carver. Marvin, if you like the performance of race boards than definetley look at SG and I can STRONGLY recommend Goltes, it's like a mix of SG/Donek/Kessler especially the My Way which is Jani's top of the line board. It is just balls awesome. However if you're going in this direction than I'd downsize, I should be riding a 185 but on a 180 or 175 I can do anything I want without getting tired. I've ridden Swoards, Pogos, Xtasy, Rabanser, Kessler, F2, Virus etc etc so most of the European brands but it's difficult to recommend something without knowing what which direction your aiming Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surf Quebec Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 Michael, can you post a link to your review? The search function did not find post with plasma. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philw Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 On 1/28/2018 at 4:21 PM, slapos said: ... why would you go for a european board having Donek and Coiler there? (politely), well that's like asking why you'd bother with Porsche if you have an American car. They're generally designed for different things. Get over to Sölden at the end of season and test a few... I don't ride them, but Virus is specialized and are certainly "poppy" from what I've seen, albeit the ones people use tend to be very narrow. I like Kessler, but then I like slalom boards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slapos Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 Hey! Do really all coiler and donek handle like a buick ? Dont think so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack M Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 34 minutes ago, philw said: (politely), well that's like asking why you'd bother with Porsche if you have an American car. yeah see that's neither accurate nor polite. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowrider Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 Sailing through the air is nice Jack . But a soft landing is always what i look for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carvin' Marvin Posted January 29, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 1 hour ago, philw said: (politely), well that's like asking why you'd bother with Porsche if you have an American car. They're generally designed for different things. So if I get a European board is it going to require overly frequent and expensive maintenance? Of course I kid. I would say Coilers tend to ride like Cadillacs but I've been able to overpower every one I've been on. Some of The old doneks rode like pickup trucks but his new offerings like the MK are really swell boards but too short for me. I'm interested to try a donek secret maybe. Michael- I'm thinking along the lines of a slalom race board or a lively freecarver in the 168-175 range. My longer board is a Stubby 175 but it is too tame for me. I bring it out when I just want I cruise with the wife. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael.a Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 (edited) 2 hours ago, Surf Quebec said: Michael, can you post a link to your review? The search function did not find post with plasma. My mistake, I only posted the board in the new board porn thread. I will write one up over the weekend. 28 minutes ago, Carvin' Marvin said: Michael- I'm thinking along the lines of a slalom race board or a lively freecarver in the 168-175 range. My longer board is a Stubby 175 but it is too tame for me. I bring it out when I just want I cruise with the wife. Ah ha so somthing a bit demanding and no cruiser but no balls to the wall race board. What kind of conditions do you ride in? And wide open slopes or narrow northeast chutes? Plasmas do not like ice for example and generally are most at home on wider slopes but with good snow. PS I know its probalby impossible but phil's recommendation to attend Carving Masters in Austria is a great opportunity to test the wares. Edited January 29, 2018 by michael.a Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack M Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 @Carvin' Marvin, you should check out this board. Seems to check all your boxes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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