Venture's Storm - R Splitboard has received the coveted Editors' Choice Award from Backcountry Magazine!As the premier backcountry skiing and snowboarding publication in North America, Backcountry Magazine doesn't make endorsements frivolously. This year's annual product test was held in March at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, where a selection of boards from top manufacturers were put through their paces both on piste and off. When the powder cloud settled, our Storm - R Splitboard emerged as a top choice.
According to Backcountry, "outstanding tester response, exceptionally high scores, and category-leading overall performance contributed to our selection of the Storm as a 2010 Backcountry Magazine Editors' Choice."
The Storm - R Splitboard is a new addition to the Venture lineup for winter 09/10. Based on our first generation Divide splitboard and developed in conjunction with Silverton Mountain, this deck craves big lines and burly terrain. Moderate taper and a softer nose provide float for untouched powder fields, while a stiffer midsection and tail lend stability and control in unpredictable big mountain conditions. Our re-design for 09/10 includes a rockered shape and slightly softer flex pattern for increased freedom and mobility, and a new surf-inspired nose that keeps you from augering into the deep stuff.
The Storm - R Splitboard will receive special coverage in this year's Backcountry Gear Guide - look for it on newsstands in September!
Transitioning from a Storm C to a Storm R....Should I shorten the length? I currently ride a 07/08 Storm 171w. I think this will be my excuse to finally get a split board!
ReplyDeleteJD
You won't be disappointed with the switch to rocker - it's amazing how much freedom it gives you. But there are definitely some differences of opinion on the question of length! Most of the staff here at Venture haven't sized down when they switched from camber to rocker. However, we've heard from folks who like to go a little shorter for the greater maneuverability, and they've said that they haven't lost anything in the way of floatation or edge hold by doing so. In the end it's really a matter of personal preference.
ReplyDeleteFollow up question...I am 6'2" and 235pds. I have been looking at the Spark fuse but do you have any recommendations for the bigger freeriders? Currently I ride the Union Data on my 171 storm and Union Force DLX on my 166 Zephyr...JD
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ReplyDeleteThe Spark Fuse binding comes in three different sizes so you should be able to find one that will work for you. Can't speak highly enough of these binders - will make your split board feel like a solid. Check out their website for more beta:
ReplyDeletewww.sparkrandd.com
This board looks like the answer to my splitboard search. what size would you recommend? im 5'11", 175 lbs w/o gear, size 12 boot. my resort board is a 162 camber.
ReplyDeleteI've been eying the 27cm waist, 167 or 172...
With a size 12 boot you could probably get away with the 26 cm waist but if you're concerned about boot out, stepping up to the 27 cm couldn't hurt. Main difference is that the 26 will be a little more responsive since there's less of it under foot. Length is a trickier proposition since a lot of it comes down to personal preference. You might think about what kind of terrain you'll be riding and go shorter for greater maneuverability in trees or other tight spots and longer for bombing open steeps. Judging from your weight and what you're riding in bounds, I would probably recommend the 167. Our boards tend to be on the stiff side of the spectrum and also "ride long" because of the quadratic sidecut. Hope that helps!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the response. I'll mostly be riding open steep pow (god willing) and loose trees. but i want to be able to be in control and be able to turn in narrow chutes. this will be strictly for back country touring. so maybe i'll be better with the 172. how does the added weight of backpack and avy gear affect the length of the board?
ReplyDeleteand now the big question... do you guys ship to hawaii?
The additional weight from all your gear might be reason to justify sizing up. If you're just doing short day trips it might not be necessary, but for longer tours it might be a good idea. However, another thing to consider is that having longer "skis" while you're in tour mode can make life more difficult.
ReplyDeleteWe're not selling this season's latest greatest decks direct, so you will have to go through one of our retailers. Check out mountaingear.com and backcountry.com - both have a decent selection of splitties available this season.