First snowboard and bindings advice for a quick-learning beginner?

Question

im about 5'5 120lbs and just getting into snowboarding.

im looking for a quality board that wont be too hard to start out on. i want it to help me learn but not hinder my abilities as i progress. Basically i dont wanna go buy a beginner board now only for me to be looking to go upgrade by the end of the season. i want a versatile board that i cant take into the park, but still be able to have a great run on the slopes.....i'd much rather have a more freestyle board than a freeride.

i've been researching some of the burton boards but i just need some advice on which would be best.

The GTWIN (which sounds amazing, but ive been told its gonna be too hard of a board to start out on) the TROOP (which im afraid might be too much of a freeride style) and the LUX (which is pretty much a no frills general board that doesnt excite me too much but i keep being told to get)

with any of these boards, i'd be using the escapade binding.

and then theres the santa cruz MUSE, which sparked my interest because of all the good word i hear floating around about it. but it kinda screws up my love for burton bindings.... so if thats the best fit for me i need advice on what are the best top-quality bindings i can pair up with it.

and if u think none of these boards sounds right for me, please give me your other board/binding suggestions

p/s since some boards measurments fall between the guidelines i have for my height/weight- as a beginner, would it be harder for me to start out on a board that is too big? or too small?

Answer 1

I love to snowboard! My first board was a Burton but I didn't really like it, it was to stiff, so I got a Nitro and it was great for the first season, I even lent it to a friend and she learned on it. But my all time favorite board is my Ride its the Ride Rapture in a 140 but for you if your 5' 5 I would get the 143 It is way easier to learn on a shorter board than a long one and it is also easier to learn tricks! It cost $299.00 but is well worth it and I have  2 other boards and still ride my Ride more than any other board, I have also tried another burton and they are all just to stiff for me.  And for the bindings I love my Burton Lexa bindings they are also great!! Good luck and have fun

Answer 2

My first board was a K2 and it was fabulous to start out on. I could really  feel the snow and every movement in it. And it was a good teacher for carving and its an all mountain board because obviously you wont be hitting the park any time soon. =D

My bindings were ride, and they lasted me a real long time and were great.

basically Ride, K2, Rossignol, Atomic. are all great boards. You may want to demo a few and see which ones you really like the feel of. Best of luck. and welcome to the world of snowboarding =D

Answer 3

I agree with everyone here.

I started with an Atomic as my first board. It is stiff but I ride all mountain freestyle.

But the hands down best board for everything is the LIB-TECH skate banana.(IMHO) this board is the next big thing...park to pow all the way...

But to further expand your research you might want to look into SIGNAL boards (park series) or OPTION boards. Both these companies offer pretty wick park boards.

I hope this will clarify as apposed to muddle your vision, young powder monkey..