advice on board size

[aiviloxx]

i want to buy a new board for this season and have the new forum spinster in mind. i'm pretty sure i'm between a 144 and 146 but not sure what size is better for me. i'm a female and around 5'3" to 5'4", weigh around 115-120 pounds, and my shoe size is 7.5. i'm probably an intermediate rider and mostly like to ride on the mountain but would eventually like to try the parks. i don't go too fast and am still working on carving and being able to turn well without having to stop my board completely.

[Travis Hightower]

you're not really going to notice anything between the 144 and 146.  i can only give you personal
preference to this because the length isnt really anything major. for me, if im going to ride rails
i like a longer board which would put you at the 146. but if you like hitting gaps and spin tricks,
the 144 has a lower swing weight.

but again, the difference is so minimal you wont notice. its a flex 2 so be prepared for that.

so honestly, go for graphic. between the 2 which has the better graphic and go with it.

oh and good choice going with forum! their boards can take some serious abuse. i have 3 forum
boards right now

[aiviloxx]

thanks for the advice!

since the flex is a 2 will it make it harder for carving?

[Travis Hightower]

i find turning on really flexable boards easier than the stiffer ones.
especially for learning. and they're great for street because most
really soft boards are really cheap because the manufacturers know
they're going to be ridden to death and destroyed.

to me they dont seem to have the same amount of pop for ollies,  but
that may just be me from riding a 6/7 and a 2.

[aiviloxx]

so the 144 has a weight range from 60-130 and the 146 has a range from 80-150.
does it make a difference if i'm closer to the max weight or more in the middle of the range?

[Travis Hightower]

it really varies on your riding style. i know this has been kind of an
evolving answer that im giving you, but bare with me and we'll
get it right.

being in the middle is a great place to start. you said you're an
intermediate rider, so you should know by now what kind of
response you're looking for out of your board.

lets do it like this, what interests you the most? jumps or rails?

[aiviloxx]

i haven't gotten much into either, but if i'd have to choose i'd say rails.

[Travis Hightower]

go with the 146 then. itll be less stressful on your board
when you have to stomp down on a box or something.

[aiviloxx]

ok thank you!

[Travis Hightower]

no probs thats what we're here for! welcome to the site and
post some pics of your board when you get it!

[Josh]

Nice job travzz.    Ya the weigh range is just a recommendation-If ur closer tto the bottom part of the weigh range itll feel a lil sttiffer/if ur closer to the top of the weight range itll be softer to you.  Weight is important

[Travis Hightower]

thanks josh!

she'll be riding the girl version of my old manual. those things were wet noodles and most of
the concern is snapping it than riding ability. i had a 146 manual which was a flex 2, so same
board and i knocked up to a 156 and its alot better to me. that makes things about right, she'll
be the same weight/board ratio that i am now and i love my 156 manual.