Might have picked a “wrong” board..
Hello all,
I am a snowboard enthusiast with around 10-12 visits to the mountains. Recently I decided to get my own equipment and I might have not chosen wisely. I got the APO BC 11-12 board http://www.apo-snow.com/snowboards/bc.html and tried it twice on snow. Its a really cool board, with an allround orientation. Up till now, based on what I’ve tried, I enjoy riding groomed snow, love riding on powder and why not try some jumps in the park. The board I got is a stiff board (8/10). I know soft boards are better for beginners but I always thought the rentals were quite soft. I like powder so I decided to go for a harder board. But, I think that I maybe overdone it.
All my snowboard buddies have much flexier boards and ask me why I ‘d pick a stiff board. Apart from making it more difficult for me (I think I can overcome this problem) will a board that hard limit any other aspect (fun, tricks, ollies, etc) of my snowboarding experience? Based on your input and my next visit, I ‘ll consider selling it now that it’s new and getting something different. :/
Thank you all!
Well, stiff snowboards are good for going fast and carving. They really aren’t any fun in the park and if you are just chilling with mates, it was a bad pick.
Also, I have never heard of APO and I’m sure sentiment on the forum doesn’t help their cause.
I own 9 boards between me and my bro. We have 7 flexy boards and 2 stiff ones. The ones that don’t get ridden are the stiff ones. Just our experience but they just aren’t as fun to bounce around and takes mammoth effort to even initiate turns let alone have fun on the board.
Don’t let me turn you off the board, it might be what you want. But from what you said, you thought stiff board = better rider where in actual fact, stiff board = pipe / big mountain rider and flexy board = normal person / park rider.
Hey snobord, welcome to Boardworld. 
Firstly, don’t worry about what your friends ride or what they say. Snowboard preference and riding style is a personal thing.
Stiffer boards are great for carving, stability, going fast, big ollies, riding pipe etc. Compared to softer boards, they aren’t as good for presses, buttering, jibbing etc. Basically it’s just harder to flex a stiff board for these things.
For groomers and bombing runs, a stiff board can be a lot of fun. It really depends on your riding style and what you’re feeling. You’ve purchased your board now and it sounds like you’re stoked with it, on some level at least. Personally, I would give it a bit of a chance and really use it to experience the aspects of snowboarding it does well. Work on your carving, pop big ollies off rollers, bomb runs and beat your friends down the mountain. As you get stronger, you’ll be able to manipulate the board more effectively. In the long term it will probably make you a better and stronger rider.
Let us know if you have any other questions.
I think your board is fine. I would say that the main reason you’re finding it difficult, is because snowboarding is difficult 
i disagree with the idea that you need a soft board for ‘fun’ or even to ride park. Stiff boards are better for jumps, and like rider already said, for going fast, carving, and the most importantly ollie pop.
I personally love stiffer boards. There’s nothing worse than a board that doesn’t pop.
Apo is a solid company. TJ, you need to read up on your snowboard history:
http://www.apo-snow.com/history.html
Regis Rolland is a pioneer.
Regis Rolland is a pioneer.
True, and he owes a lot of his initial inspiration to Dimitrije Milovich - who deserves a lot more credit as a true snowboarding pioneer. Burton (as a company) started in 1977, whereas Dimitrije Milovich started Winterstick in 1975.
I find here in Australia theres a unhealthy obsession with soft boards, mostly due to the conditions, if you go to any big mountain resort or backcounty location you’ll find stiff boards are more the norm than the exception.
I like riding a stiff board, but im not a big park rider anymore, it really depends on what you want to ride and what size you are. Soft boards are way easier to break to!
Hey Snobord
I definitely wouldn’t say that a stiffer board is limiting (unless your goal in snowboarding is butters and big presses on rails)
If you look at alot of pro riders, you’ll see most of them riding stiffer boards to achieve the speed and pop they need.
HOWEVER, the ideal board for you, is the board that feels right and is made for your ability and a little above so you don’t out grow it (ability wise)
So basically, it won’t limit you, but it may actually be more aggressive than you need right now.
If it feels good, stick with it and improve you riding to match this board.
If it feels too stiff, switch to a softer board that will allow you to progress faster (u can always switch back to your stiff board later.
I have friends who ride at an intermediate level who all ride everything from stiff to soft. Ride what ever board makes you feel like your shredding!
yeah, what Andy said! and don’t overthink it. Give yourself at least 10 solid days on the board before you decide whether you like it or not.
yep from what you said about how you like to ride, I reckon that board sounds alright for you. If you’re enjoying riding it - keep riding it!
Hey thank you all for the replies!
The truth is that you make me feel better about my choice. Its a challenging board but I stand on your words that as I advance, I will be able to master it better and not be limited by it. I do enjoy the speed and responsiveness of my board and indeed I find it quite aggressive some times.. damn bumps! I was afraid that the stiffness was limiting factor (trick/fun wise), but I understand that this is not the case. Regarding presses and butters, I don’t believe I will be missing much if I am not able to perform them. Kinda feels to me like tricks to impress rather than proving a riders ability. I could be wrong. I will be heading on the mountains again shortly, so I m gonna keep practicing and getting better!
i wouldnt go as far as to say butters are only for impressing people…
I pretty much go for the stiffest board and spend most of my time in the park. Agree with OP, presses and butters are gay
So you prefer stiff over flacid?
I think we should let Mizu answer that question Deano :D
to the OP, a stiff board does not mean you can’t do presses or butters. In fact, it will promote proper body positioning compared to a noodley board.
I love stiff boards on crap terrain - soft boards just get pushed around
Yeh there was a clip posted on here before of someone buttering the hell out of a hill on a CustomX. Cant remember who the rider was tho