New / First Board
Hey guys,
So I’m heading to NZ this year in August (Wanaka and Queenstown) for about 12 days, 8 boarding, hitting up Cardrona, TC, Remarkables and possibly Coronet.
This will be my 2nd time boarding, went to Perisher last year in July for 6/7 days. Got set up with a 155W Burton LTR rental.
I didn’t mind it too much, by end of the week I was doing blue runs easily and a couple blacks.
Was also doing some 360 spins (not jumps), some lean back trick (combined the two and you do butters?). Anyways, I enjoyed doing cruising down mountain runs but would also definitely like to get to learn some tricks/jibbing etc.
Was looking a few boards and am thinking on settling on the Arbor Blacklist.
I’m 179cm and am currently 87kgs, but my usual weight is around 82/83 so trying to get back down there.
Size US 11/12 feet.
The Arbor comes in 154/157/160, just wondering if the 154 is fine or if I should go up to the 157.
Also, a local dealer that has these boards would be great. I’m from Brisbane and my local (Snowbiz) don’t have these listed on their website.
I’m currently up north for work so can’t walk in and have a look in store and ask just yet but will definitely do so in a few weeks time.
Cheers guys,
xd.
edit.: also saw this review: http://www.angrysnowboarder.com/2012-arbor-blacklist-used-and-reviewed/
If you’re looking at getting into the park/jibbing like you said, I’d go the 154. I’m sure someone else will have a more insightful reply, but that’s my 2c lol 
Due to ya boot size and ya weight, I’d strike the 154 off the list!!!!!
Ya should be sweet with the 157 usin a wide stance with some amount of angle on both bindings!!!!!
If this will be ya only board, ya might wanna even consider the 160 if ya gonna be takin it elsewhere on the mountain?????
If the Park is what turns ya on 100%, go the 157!!!!! (It will still be fine around the rest of the hill, just not as good as the 160)
With foot size like that you would probably looking at a 250 waist width at least depending on the boots you have. I’m a size 12 and run 255 waist width on my boards to avoid dragging issues, much better that going a fully fledged wide board 260 and above wide. Any reason you’re so keen on the Arbor?
Gnu Carbon Credit 156 with a 252 waist
http://www.ballistyx.com.au/index.php?action=productcatalogue&prodcat_id=755&prod_id=26794&pageID=6234§ionID=0
K2 World Wide Weapon in 157
http://www.torpedo7.com.au/products/K2SBMN2WR/title/k2-men-s-www-rocker-snowboard-2012
Dc Tone
http://www.alpsport.com.au/shop-online/snowboard/snowboards/2012-13-snowboards/tone
Also mate what’s your realistic budget for board and bindings all up?
The Arbor has a 259 waist in the 154, should be fine if he was to go with that? But like the other guys said, if it’s your only board you could also consider something a bit longer.
http://www.arborcollective.com/snow/boards/view/436725/blacklist
Hey xd,
Firstly, to answer Koper’s question, the 259mm waist is more than enough for your size 11s. You won’t have any issues there (to be honest, I consider it to be too wide).
Considering you’re Australian (and riding NZ), and you’re enjoying the freestyle aspect of snowboarding, I would go for the 154. If you were heading to Canada or something, I’d probably suggest the 157.
In a nutshell, the 154 will be more fun, easier to play around on, but it’s still big enough for riding everywhere. The 157 will be more stable but less playful, and it’s probably bigger than you need in Australia and New Zealand.
By the way, I agree with nthn. I would look for a board around the 252mm waist width mark. Have you considered the Arbor Westmark? The Westmark (and Blacklist) has “Griptech” - giving you more waist width under your feet anyway. I think the Westmark would be a better call.
I just checked and STM has the Westmark in stock in 153 and 157. On sale for $479.99 and you would get free shipping.
Hey thanks for all the info guys.
As you all would understand, the world of snowboard brands/makes/models is a gigantic one, pretty imposing for a newbie. All the review articles and videos I’ve seen on the Blacklist can’t fault it and it seems to cover what I want to do on the slopes so was just heading that way.
Thanks rider on the Westmark, probably actually appeals to me more than the Blacklist, from what I gather it’s relatively identical to the Blacklist but a little bit stiffer? Although I will be riding Aus/NZ slopes mostly, I do still want to eventually hit up Canada and Japan in the next year or two.
Can you link me where you found that Westmark on the STM site? I can’t find it, also I can’t see where they say they sell Arbor boards (unless im looking at the wrong site). Also the arbor website states that the Westmark comes in 150/153/156/159 only. Perhaps a 156 would do me? http://www.arborcollective.com/snow/boards/view/42/westmark
Bindings: Cartels or 360’s?
Price wise. I figure rentals for 8/9 days of boarding for this NZ trip will cost me $250-300 all together. So double that as a realistic price range and +/- $100-150. That way I make my money back in 2-3 boarding trips =) Just more ammo to justify going boarding to the missus in later seasons!
Thanks all!
xd
Yeah, a quick scan of the net, and the Black List has had some great feedback!!!!!
Also consider some FLUX TT30’s for ya new ride!!!!! (Cartel’s and 360’s both have good wraps)
Or for a really Park Orientated Binding, the RK30’s, or the DS30’s for a good crossover but good lateral flex for park!!!!!
Have they started paying you yet Mizu? Or at least sent you some stickers or something..
Farkin Oath they have!!!!! 
* Not the payin bit though!!!!!
Hey thanks for all the info guys.
As you all would understand, the world of snowboard brands/makes/models is a gigantic one, pretty imposing for a newbie. All the review articles and videos I’ve seen on the Blacklist can’t fault it and it seems to cover what I want to do on the slopes so was just heading that way.
Thanks rider on the Westmark, probably actually appeals to me more than the Blacklist, from what I gather it’s relatively identical to the Blacklist but a little bit stiffer? Although I will be riding Aus/NZ slopes mostly, I do still want to eventually hit up Canada and Japan in the next year or two.
Can you link me where you found that Westmark on the STM site? I can’t find it, also I can’t see where they say they sell Arbor boards (unless im looking at the wrong site). Also the arbor website states that the Westmark comes in 150/153/156/159 only. Perhaps a 156 would do me? http://www.arborcollective.com/snow/boards/view/42/westmark
Bindings: Cartels or 360’s?
Price wise. I figure rentals for 8/9 days of boarding for this NZ trip will cost me $250-300 all together. So double that as a realistic price range and +/- $100-150. That way I make my money back in 2-3 boarding trips =) Just more ammo to justify going boarding to the missus in later seasons!
Thanks all!
xd
It’s imposing for sure. That’s what we are here for. 
Those boards look identical to me besides for the waist width. They are both rated as medium-soft and they have identical materials. The only difference I can tell is the waist width.
The 156 has a 151mm waist width which is close to perfect for your boot size. Given you also want to ride Canada and Japan, I feel the 156 would be a really nice all-round size for you. It will be fun in the park and also handle the deep pow days.
Just checked the STM website - http://www.stmonline.com.au - doesn’t look like it’s listed on the site. But I’ve seen it there and I gave them a call this morning to double check. It’s there and I might be able to get it even a bit cheaper for you (they look after Boardworld members). Let me know if you are interested and I will see what I can do.
Bindings: Personally I would go for the Cartels. Best value binding on the market. Super comfy, great performance, great price.
Would you buy bindings from that man????????????????????
You asking me (Burton bindings) or referring to Mizu’s ugly mug?
The arbor westmark is a sick board!
Ive got the 2012 159 model & its awesome. Spent 2 months last season in whistler & the majority of this season on it. It handles really well in the powder & it’s loads of fun in the park whether it’s learning some jibbing or hitting the kickers it can pretty much handle anything.
I’m probably nearing 100 days on it (which is the average life of a board) & it’s still going strong! Super durable.
Highly recommend this purchase