Is a freestyle snowboard good for an advanced beginner?

Question

I've been snowboarding for 3 seasons and currently ride a K2 Satellite 150 (I'm 5'4", 130 lbs). I don't really ride the park but I love small jumps (up to 3 feet) and the occasional easy box slide. The mountains I usually ride do not have fresh powder, it's all man made and groomed. I'm thinking of getting a freestyle board like the K2 Jibpan 147. My thinking is it's a little shorter, has a centered stance, and has softer flex then the Satellite so it should be easier to control (turning) and land jumps with right? I sometimes have to "fight" my Satellite to turn toeside. I'm not a speed freak so losing a little speed with the shorter length is ok. Am I asking for trouble (instability, falling, washing out) by riding a "park" board outside of the park most of the time? Anyone else out there fit into my riding style and can offer up suggestions? I want to get something over the summer when the 2008 boards are all discounted to clear space for the new 2009's.

Answer 1

Just like Tahoe T said... a soft jib board will not perform too well on hard snow and it will not be as stable at higher speeds. However, it will be more stable at lower speeds and will not turn as aggressively as an advanced all-mountain board. But dont let the name of the Jibpan fool you... it is not as soft as you might think. This board is very similar to the Burton twin... yes it is a twin board and can be jibbed with ease, but it also has a carbon backbone which adds versatility and strength. Plus with it has the same hyper progressive sidecut as the Zepellin but with a centered stance. The bottom line is that this boards is definitelty rideable. Yes a directional twin would be a tad more versatile but if you are super stoked on the jibpan it is definitely not out of the question. Hope that helps. feel free to email me with anymore questions.

Sierra Crew

Answer 2

First, the K2 Satellite is a very stiff board which is best for rough groom or icy conditions - I have one and that is what I use mine for. A really stiff board is wonderful when the conditions are hard and icy but can be very twitchy and unforgiving on broken power and when trying to land tricks.

The jib board you are talking about is at the other end of the spectrum - very soft and forgiving. This board would be very different from what you are used to riding and wouldn't be any good at hard icy conditions.

I would suggest that you don't go with a jib board, but something in between - a "twinish" board with less setback than the Satellite (1") but more than a centered stance jib board. There are many "all-mountain" boards with a twin shape and 1/2" setback - maybe the Ride Decade?

Good Luck

Answer 3

It sounds like the jibpan would be a good choice of board for you going by the type of riding you like to do. The Satellite is a pretty good board but is really an entry level board, i wouldent say its that stiff but the jibpan will have more flex, but will still handle quite well outside the park. You will probably find having a smaller board will help your toeside turns also. Good luck with the riding