board sizing question

[toan]

hey,

i'm an intermediate level rider looking to buy my first board.  i'm 5'8, 180lbs, a stocky guy basically.  i was reading up on board sizing and they said weight is the most important factor in buying a board.

up til now, i've been under the impression i needed a board anywhere from 153-155.  after using your sizing calculator, it suggested 158-160 which makes sense...

can i get some opinions? 

i'm 5'8, 180, boot sz 10, freeride, male

[Frosty]

Welcome to the Community Toan!

I say 159 should be fine if you ride mainly on softer snow (out west).  If you are an east coaster, go with the shorter ride like a 156 or 157.  Keep in mind that board WIDTH is more important than length, so keep it around 25 cm and you are cool.

[VAILboarder]

It depends on what you ride. If its terrain park mostly then stick with 154cm, if it is mostly powder  then go with a 160cm

[Travis Hightower]

Hi Toan!

I'm roughly the same size as you. 5'9 and between 160-180lbs depending on my junk food intake for the month (171 at time of posting). I've found out that a 154 is perfect
for me all mountain, and 156 on a powder day. If you can, try to rent a few sizes for a day or 2 and see what size has that magic feel for you. You could knock the research
out in a day and not spend the rest of the winter wondering if the extra cm's will make a difference.