Beginniner - Snowboard Size - What should I do?

Question

I'm looking at getting one of two board packages for a starter set.

I'm 6'4", 178lbs, with 11-12 foot size. Tall, long-legged and lanky. I'm mostly going to be freeriding, though would like a board for the occasional trips into the terrain park.

What size of board should I get? 160? 163? smaller or larger than either of those?

I was looking at an Avalanche Crest 163 (with Flow Flite2 bindings) or a Flow Merc 160 (with Avalanche bindings). Either of those fits the budget and would hopefully be a good start for me.

Link to Flow Merc package:

http://www.tightboards.com/flow/mens_snow_package_deals/08_flow_package_merc_with_flite_2_black.asp

Link to Avalanche Crest package:

http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Avalanche-CREST-Mens-Snowboard-Bindings-NEW_W0QQitemZ150200686973QQihZ005QQcategoryZ36297QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p1638.m118

I tried the frostyrider calc and it came out to 162 (length) and 258mm (board waist). Is that accurate? If so - is a 160 or 163 the better?

Answer 1

A 162 or 163cm board would be perfect for freeride and occasional trips to the park. As for the board it all about personal preference since they are both freeride boards.