Snowboard sizes, how much length to drop?

Question

Currently riding a 161 (an old Joyride from like 6 years ago). I am generally happy with this size, except when it come to the mogully stuff. Basically I want something a bit more manuverable.

Looking at a Burton Custom. Available smaller sizes are 158 or 156. Would dropping a mere 3cm to a 158 really make a difference?

Also, what type of rider am I? I generally stay on the runs, try to go as fast as I can down them. Don't go into the parks, no jumps, no pipe, just like cruising fast. Sometimes will go into the trees in search of powder, that's it.

Do I "Freeride" or do I ride "All Mountain"? Or are they pretty much the same thing?

Answer 1

Dropping the 3cm made a big difference for me.  I went from a 159 to a 156 and its a lot easier to handle.  

You would be an all mountain rider.  Freeride is basically deep powder riding and freestyle is terrain park riding.  All mountain boards are all-purpose boards.  can be used for all types of riding.

Answer 2

First off it would be nice if I knew your weight and height to compare to the size of board you need but I'll do the best with what info you gave me. If you are having trouble manuevering then dropping a few cm will definately give you more control. Also the Burton Custom is a GREAT board if you are willing to spend the money. And yes Freeride and all mountain refer to the same type of riding. So your style is freeride since you just ride runs and the ocassional powder.

Edit- To correct Adidas freeride isn't DEEP powder riding. I'm guessing you are referring to back-country boarding or alpine? Freeride is riding a bit of everything on the mountain (runs, halfpipe, park etc.). Just because you don't halfpipe doesn't mean you aren't freeride.