Did my research, still have question about board width

[Nyclassic4ever]

Hey all!

So, I've done plenty of research.  I tried the calculator.   I'm 5'7" about 140 lbs and wear a size 7.5 mens.  The calculator says I should be using 146-148cm board with 238-244 width. 

Rental-wise I have been using a 150cm with no problem I''m not sure of the width.  I have read that you want to avoid toe drag but also the width should not be too wide so that you can have good control (heel/toe).  So it would be best if the front tip of the boot was flush with the board. 

I have been considering a Ride/Crush board in 147cm which is on the small side but the width on the board is 249 (calculator said at most I should be at 244).  If I go up to the 152cm board the waist width is 251 (I should be at 244).  I would really like to be closer in width but isn't a 147 for a 5'7" male already a bit small? Friends of mine are perhaps an inch taller and using boards like 155. 

I would appreciate anyones opinion.  At this point since I am a beginner I am leaning more towards the 147 for better heel/toe control on the width.

Thanks and looking forward to being on the forums!   

[Frosty]

Thanks for the question.  Where do you ride primarily?  I ask because East Coast tends to have firmer snow on average and a board that is too wide for you (250+) is going to be slower edge-to-edge and require move action and strength to get up on to edge (and hold carve).  That will mean fatigue and, as you mentioned, loss of overall control.

Width is more important than length.  Keep that in mind.  Is a 150 board OK for you?  Sure, but keep in mind the width as the major determining factor.  Everyone have their own preference and the calculator is designed to be an accurate guide.  For me, I have a 9.5 boot size and ride a 247 to 249 width (about 1/4 inch hang on heel and toe side) and that is spot on for me.  At a 159 all-mountain length, it is SO difficult to find a board that "narrow" or so they say.

I notice a lot of guys today riding sticks that are too wide for them.  Now, if that were their natural preference then that would be fine, but fact is that manufacturers today are making the boards too darn wide (Lib_Tech, Ride, Atomic, etc...).  Why?  They want to accommodate as many riders as possible per model they make.  In their minds, making boards that are on the wider side "fits" more riders therefore their product is "qualified" to a larger market segment.  More money for them -- see.

Do not be fooled or "told" what to do and what size to ride -- just because a manufacturer pushes it, all the cool kids are riding it, or even some chart or calc says it.  But do be smart, understand the physics of it and go for what is going to be the most fun for YOU.

[Nyclassic4ever]

Great response, Thanks for enlightening me!

It makes sense, the old standardized sizes for all dilemma. 

It is my first board so I will just try the 147 and have fun while I make progress and will then try other width sizes, etc.

I am in the northeast.  I tried snowboarding three times and did very well and automatically became addicted.  Over the summer I plan to travel because I want to continue on...

Thanks again!

[Frosty]

Great Dude.  Keep us posted as to what you get and how you like it!