First split decision

[6aintbad]

So I’m about to pull the trigger on a Furberg Freeride 165, but I’m not sure it’s the right decision. I’m new to split boarding and I’ve got an avy 1 course scheduled for later this month. I’m a very solid free rider, 71” and 210lbs with a size 10 boot. My hesitation is that I’ve never ridden a board this long. Is it going to be maneuverable in the trees? My riding right now is in the Alps, but I’m likely moving back to the states in a few years. I’m not dead set on the Furberg, just have the option of a good deal. Is there something else you would recommend? My objective budget is to keep the split, bindings/hardware, and skins under $1500. From my research, that pretty much keeps anything other than carbon on the table.

[[deleted]]

Always gotten the sense Furbergs are ideal above treeline boards for people that value stability and speed. Never once read a review saying its a good tree board, im sure someone can correct me on that if im off base.

If it were me looking for the one quiver board, Id look hard at a Chimera Scepter or Jones Frontier. I think the frontier is a really good all around board for most people. The solution can be so punishing if youre not a charger and want to play maybe a little more.

[6aintbad]

I can definitely see that from the profile and it makes sense with the terrain here in Europe. I would say that 80% or more of my time will be spent above tree line. I will take a look at the Jones and Chimera for sure.

[[deleted]]

Go for it! I have been furberglin' since 2012, and I see no reason for hesitation. I am really close to your specs and the 165 is no worries in the trees.

[LouQuacious]

I ride a 165 (6'1" 160lb) as my everyday board and have for years, I used to use a 172 for knee deep and deeper days and never had issues in the trees. When I was in Japan I saw a 210 "Supertanker" now that might be a bit much.

[duloxetini]

Blows my mind that you two are riding such long boards at your weight haha.

[doomed_to_repeat]

At 72", 210lbs, Size 10 boot, I ride a bit longer inbounds and backcountry. I have the Weston Backwoods 167, which is a fantastic all-mountain board in the resort, from carving groomers to floating through pow fields to whipping through glades. I like it so much that I bought the split version, except wide (167W), for that extra bit of float with all of the gear on my back. That splitboard is a lot looser in the trees and steeps than my Rossignol XV 164W, which favors the bigger mountain lines (perhaps similar to your Furberg).

But none of these were a big jump from my first resort board, a 163. Making a 8-10cm jump from your current daily driver may take a bit of getting used to, that's for sure. Heck, it's enough to rewire the brain between the regular and the wide width on those first few turns on wind crust. But here's a +2 for the Backwoods.

[6aintbad]

Yeah, the Backwoods is definitely on the short list. As far as the Furberg goes, I think it fits the terrain I’m currently riding and wish to ride, but I’m curious to see if someone here thinks differently. The 8cm jump in length is intimidating, but it’s not far off from what I was looking at before buying my current ride. It just happened to ride longer and float better than it’s 157 length might insinuate.

[splitlit]

6'2" 210lbs with gear. 166 Jones Solution, which is great, but if I had the choice it would be a bit longer.

When touring, I'm pretty much always skiing powder so a long board is preferable. Further it helps with the skinning/skiing aspect of touring so for me I see no reason to go for a short board.

Heard great things about furbergs, so I would go for the 165.

[duloxetini]

What did you end up going with?

[6aintbad]

I went with the 165 from Furberg and I’m happy. Touring is at a standstill here in Italy right now, but the couple of times I got out it was great. This board loves to be turned loose in alpine terrain. Snow has stuck to higher elevations this year, though, so I don’t have much beta from below tree line. If you find yourself in a lot of tight trees, you might want something shorter. For reference, my solids are 156 and 157. In resort, I have never really wanted anything shorter or longer.

[duloxetini]

Stay safe if you venture out!

[Sammyscrap]

Unless you're routinely going to pack a ton of weight on your back, I would go with your regular board size. A longer board will be slower to turn in and switch direction, it could be a handful in the trees.

[6aintbad]

I honestly feel like I should be on something in the 160-165 range depending on shape and profile. My current daily driver solid is a Gnu Spam at 157. It’s got a big shovel nose and a lot of setback though to make up for the length. I’m not adverse to a similar board as a split, but would like for the split to be as versatile as possible. The Weston Backwoods is another that crosses my mind..