Is my snowboard too small?

Question

Hi!

I just got a new Rome Vinyl 143. I haven't had the chance to ride it yet, but I'm worried it's too small. I'm 5'3 and weigh 125 pounds (and me feet are a size 8). The Rome website states that the weight range is 70 to 110 pounds. Grrrr. Have I put my foot in it?

Thank you for your help!

Answer 1

Hi.  The chart is for all mountain/freestyle/whatever and is too general.  Basically it is for someone who is not sure what they are going to do with the snowboard.  Forget 'around your chin', 'at the level of my eyes', and all that non-sense.  The only thing to remember is this: longer, faster; shorter, slower.  You sound like a beginner, so that's perfect - you don't want to be going fast when you begin, trust me.  The thing with shorter boards is after a certain speed, you'll feel it becomes to chatter or wobble or it might even flip over.  Don't worry, you will feel this before it happens.  Shorter boards rule in my opininon because you can do tricks and stuff.  Longer boards are nice for deep powder.  I don't think you will be doing that for a while though.  Have fun.

Answer 2

I checked the Rome website for the specs on some of the boards that I might ride.  On the sizes that I would choose for myself, the weight ranges that they showed were right on: I always was in the range.  It is likely that the board is a bit small, but that doesn't mean you can't have a great time riding it.    Many freestyle riders that I know purposely take a board a bit small to make spinning easier.  A short board also makes learning how to turn easier.  The big thing you sacrifice with a shorter board is stability when going really fast.  I hope it works out for you!

Answer 3

You don't say what kind of riding you do, but for most types of boards you would need a 137 for freestyle and 142 for all mountain - I don't think that board is too small for you at all.

http://www.frostyrider.com/tips/size-gui...

My son is almost the same size as you (a little smaller) and until recently was riding a 135 and was doing great. I think that  the sizing is just a general guideline and you will be fine  with a 143 - especially since that is an all-around park / mountain board.

Good Luck

Answer 4

well sometimes its good to have small snowboards cos there easier to control it depends does it line up to your chin or chest?

if it goes to like your stomach return it