Swoard or Donek Blade?

Post by **Ardrock** » Monday 4 October 2010, 6:45

Looking to buy one of these two boards and was hoping for some feedback. I currently ride a Nidecker Proto but it doesn't hold up to the higher speeds and soft snow. Love the width though.

The Blade is less expensive by several hundred dollars and I like the graphics options but ultimately it's the performance that matters most. Can anyone provide comparative feedback?

Post by **fivat** » Monday 4 October 2010, 9:05

Buy both!

Is your intention to perform extremecarving as shown in this Web site (rotation technique + push-pull + flat bindings + not stiff bindings + modified hard boots etc.)? If yes, the answer is obvious.

We have some customers who have tried the copy attempt and have switched back to Swoard. If it's a question of price, go for Donek (or F2 or any brand which follows the trend to wider boards that Swoard started). Otherwise choose the original for its unique performances. The Euro currency is low now, what makes the price better for you in USA.

More info: click here.

The best is to test a demo board. BOMBER in USA has Swoard demo boards: 168M, 168H, 175M, 175H. Be sure to choose the proper flex and size along to the table here.

Patrice Fivat

Website · Post by **Katsunori** » Monday 4 October 2010, 13:15

I have Swoard 168Medium and Donek Blade 180Soft.
I think , Donek Blade is harder than swoard.
My Blade 180S is very hard , more than Swoard 168M.
If you buy first EX board, I recommend Swoard.
Because it is Milder than Donek blade .
(In my opinion)

Post by **Ardrock** » Monday 4 October 2010, 17:01

I fall right on the line between 168 and 175 for both boot size and height. My weight is 85 kg. I already own the Proto which is a 167 and seems pretty soft flex. That would be my board of choice for icy days.

So should I go 175 Medium or 168 Hard?

Post by **fivat** » Monday 4 October 2010, 17:10

What's your height and feet size (Mondo or US)?

Patrice Fivat

Post by **Ardrock** » Monday 4 October 2010, 17:25

My foot size is US 11 and my height is 5'11".

Post by **fivat** » Monday 4 October 2010, 23:44

Wow, your feet size is big: US 11 is Mondo 28.5-29 or Euro 44-44.5. So I would recommend you the 175M which should be wide enough for no boot overhang at reasonable binding angles, as required for best extremecarving. The 175M is OK for your height (about 180-181 cm) and the M flex is the proper choice in your case.

Patrice Fivat

Post by **Ardrock** » Tuesday 5 October 2010, 14:10

Thanks for the size and flex recommendation.

I know that bomber online sells the Swoard here but is there any differences for the 2011 model year that would make it worth buying the board direct?

Post by **fivat** » Tuesday 5 October 2010, 21:01

Bomber has just received a new stock of Swoards on September 2010. So it's better to purchase the Gen3 "extended" directly from Bomber. The exception is for the size 161 and the flexes S, XS and XH which should be directly ordered at swoard.com. But your are not concerned by this size and the particular flexes.

Patrice Fivat

Post by **Ardrock** » Wednesday 6 October 2010, 22:23

Patrice,

Would there be any reason to go with the hard flex instead of medium or will medium be the best for all situations with my weight?

Post by **Arnaud** » Thursday 7 October 2010, 9:05

in you case (85 kg) the hard lex will be more stable at high speed, but it's the only one advantage. Medium flex will be more versatile with a better grip on hard snow

Post by **fivat** » Thursday 7 October 2010, 14:47

One last thing.

Ardrock wrote:My foot size is US 11

Is this your "street shoes" size, or your "hard boots" size?
Indeed, many riders have smaller "hard boots" size than "street shoes" size.
You should read this in details: http://www.alpinecarving.com/bootfitting.html
So, if your "hard boots" size is US 9.5 or US 10, you would prefer the 168H.

Patrice Fivat

Post by **Ardrock** » Thursday 7 October 2010, 21:34

Yes that is my shoe size. My boots are UPZ RC-10 size 28.5.

I'd like to have a flex that would allow for extreme carving in softer snow and at higher speeds than my Nidecker Proto. Should I stick with the 175M?

Thanks.

Post by **Arnaud** » Thursday 7 October 2010, 22:24

UPZ RC10 have short shell, and should fit well with the 168. In this case considering your weight, Hard flex is the good choice.

Post by **Ardrock** » Wednesday 27 October 2010, 5:27

Arnaud,

What are the benefits to going with the 168 H instead of the 175 M? I'm assuming the sidecut radius of the shorter board would make it lay down tighter turns but the longer board would be more stable at high speeds and the extra width would allow me to run lower angles. Above all I want to pick the best board for EC for my size and weight. In my mind it seems logical to get the 175 M. What else should I consider?

Have to get my wifes birthday out of the way and then I'll be ordering up my extremecarver. If that show's up on the credit card before her birthday present it'll be nothing but carpet surfing for me this year.

ExtremeCarving FORUM

Swoard or Donek Blade?

Swoard or Donek Blade?

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