DH2 or Machete? Help, can't decide!

**Username** · 12-15-2010, 08:55 PM

Hi guys, just joined the forum. I'm looking for some advice on whether to get to DH2 or the Machete, and what size i should get.

First off, i am 16 yrs old, 6'1", 165lbs, size 11 (US) boot. I snowboarded for 3 years, and then stopped entirely for 1 season (for irrelevant reasons). I got back into it this winter, but my board sucks and i'm having a hard time getting back into snowboarding. my board: 155cm 5150 Nomad with Firefly CO:2 bindings.

I love to ride park and i really want to progress in doing jumps and learning to do spins, cool tricks on boxes, and start to hit rails. However, i want something that will hold up in powder should i go to the mountains (i have a season pass at Canada Olympic Park, so i normally ride groomers).

So, my question is, which board should i buy: the Machete, or the DH2? or maybe some other board? Also, which size should i buy? i really think my feet would need a wide board, but i dunno what length of board? If it helps, i use the newest model of the Ride Orion boot (2010/2011, i think? whichever model is on the website). I have no idea which bindings i'm going to use, probably a discount model from last year since i'll already be shelling out so much cash on a board.

Thanks!

**Mr_Tidbit** · 12-16-2010, 07:56 AM

Both boards can handle what you're looking for... just depends on your flex preferences. With the Orion boot, you should get the wide model in either board.

**Username** · 12-16-2010, 12:39 PM

Thanks, Mr_Tidbit, but what would be a better length? with the machete, is the 157w a good length for me? with the DH2, would a 156w or a 159w be better?

**Mr_Tidbit** · 12-16-2010, 12:49 PM

How to pick out the right size snowboard.

**Username** · 12-16-2010, 01:05 PM

alright, but i need a wide because the Orion doesn't have any kind of reduced footprint, right?

**Mr_Tidbit** · 12-16-2010, 02:09 PM

Originally Posted by Username

alright, but i need a wide because the Orion doesn't have any kind of reduced footprint, right?

Correct

**Username** · 12-16-2010, 03:58 PM

alright. but do you think that the 157w Machete might be too long a board for park riding?

**Mr_Tidbit** · 12-16-2010, 04:39 PM

At your height and weight it's fine.

**Username** · 12-16-2010, 04:59 PM

alright, i think ill have to go with the 157w Machete. ill save about $100 from the DH2 anyways. Next step is finding a store that has that size. Thanks!