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• Name: 2011 GNU B Nice BTX Snowboard - Women's
• Skill:  Intermediate
• Use:  Groomed,Low Speeds,Park,Switch Riding
• Pros:  Great beginner/intermediate all mountain board, Great graphics and a highly durable, quality build, Can be used for park riding without issue.
• Cons:  Chatters at high speeds, Not ideal for powder days, Flex not quite enough for flat land tricks.

Experience:   I purchased this board for intermediate level riding in the 145cm. For height/weight reference for board review I am 167cm tall and weigh approximately 50kg. I ride this board with 2011 Burton Escapade bindings. At the point of this review, I have put approximately 70 days of riding into this board. This is a great beginner to intermediate level board for someone who is riding mostly groomed runs at low to medium speeds, and perhaps dabbling in a bit of park/freestyle riding. The board is twin tip non-directional which is great for riding switch or park. The board will start to shudder/chatter and jump a bit if you're riding on choppy snow or at high speeds. This would make it fine for someone who is just cruising. The board is reviewed by GNU as being soft to medium flex. For my board length at my height and weight, I would consider this board to be medium flex. If you're looking to butter, do manuals or other flat land tricks I would recommend you look at another, more flexible board such as the Park Pickle as for me, the flex is not quite enough to pull off such tricks with sufficient ease. For small jumps and jibs, this board is quite stable in the landing. The MTX 'wavy' edge does provide some additional support when riding icey runs. At my height and with the board length purchased, I wouldn't say that this board is ideal for riding powder, however it can be done if need be. The build quality of this board is typical of that from Mervin - This board is tough and can take a real beating. I've done a decent job chipping my top sheet, however this could have been prevented had I filed the top edge before riding. I've also riden over a number of rocks and smashed into some decent sized trees and boulders, and the base of the board has been tough enough to take it without a core shot, whereas my friends who've done the same things on Burton/DC boards have ripped their rails, which shows to some extent the quality and durability of this board.

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• Name: 2011 Burton Sapphire Snowboard Boots Women's
• Pros:  Excellent padding throughout, Comfortable, Good fit for narrow feet
• Cons:  Boots will peel with continued wear, Packed out more than should be expected,
• Fit:  mid
• Flex:  mid
• Shoe Size:  8
• Boot Size:  7

Experience:   I purchased these boots in a size 7 (a size smaller than my usual shoe size) after reading a number of reviews that these boots packed out quite considerably. The boot is a perfect fit, however at present I have put about 70 days riding into these boots and they packed out more than would usually be expected. The main issue is with heel grip. This could probably be solved for most riders with j-grips or wearing two pairs of socks. I would recommend that you purchase these boots at least one size smaller than your shoe size for a regular rider, and a half a size smaller for someone who rides less frequently. These boots are extremely comfortable - Besides the heel slip issue, they provide great support. I have not once this season lost feeling or circulation in my feet which had been a problem for me with boots previously. The ankle is highly padded on either side to help eliminate any movement which could result in injuries. There is also decent arch support with the standard mouldable liner and the air cell sole also provides added comfort from impact. I had no pain or issues at all breaking these boots in. The lacing system is standard for generic lacing. It is quite tedious getting them on and off, but that is to be expected for a boot that doesn't offer speed-lacing. The boots have velcro on either side of the inner boot to help eliminate any loosening of the boot during a day of riding, which is quite handy. I purchased the blue disco print, and after about a month of solid riding the blue/gold on the toe started to peel off. If you're buying them for looks alone, that is something to consider however it doesn't affect functionality in any way nor does it impact upon water-proofing. These boots fit well with Burton bindings. I would recommend that these boots be purchased for someone who is of an intermediate/advanced riding level and will be riding regularly.

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• Name: 2006 Burton Freestyle Womens
• Pros:  Excellent traction, Comfortable, Water proof, Good fit
• Cons:  Difficult to put on,
• Fit:  mid
• Flex:  mid
• Shoe Size:  8
• Boot Size:  7

Experience:   I bought these boots in a size 7, however usually I wear a size 7.5 to 8 shoe. I have a narrow foot and find that they fit well for someone with a narrow to average foot. I would recommend that you purchase the size down, however, as the sizes run smaller. These boots have great traction so there is no chance of slipping while walking on both snow and ice, or skating your board. They are comfortable boots, however I will be changing the boot liners in coming weeks because after about 5-6 hours of constant riding the ball of my foot tends to start hurting. I am putting this down to a high arch which is not properly supported by the stock boot liner, and it takes a fair bit for me to feel any pain while riding in these boots. These boots do take a bit to get in to, and you have to loosen virtually everything to get into them, but once you're in that's it. The laces etc are easy to do up, and there is no heel slip so you are fully responsive when strapped into your board with your bindings. I generally wear a thin business sock with these boots, rather than a snowboarding sock and find that they are sufficiently warm and waterproof. In spring slush, however, be prepared for your feet to get a bit wet, though this will be unpreventable regardless of what boot you have. I would highly recommend these boots.

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• Name: 2010 Burton Escapade Snowboard Bindings Women's
• Pros:  Highly responsive, Easy in and out, Strong and comfortable
• Cons:  Toe cap occasionally came lose,
• Flex:  mid

Experience:   I purchased these bindings from Sierra for my new V-Spot and found the whole package to be absolutely brilliant. These bindings are strong and highly responsive. The straps are well padded (so reduces any pain and no numb toes from strapping in too tight) and really lock the boot in for increased maneuverability. The ratchets on the binding are easy to use. The straps run through very smooth and it's easy to lock them up tight. My only qualm with these bindings was that if I took them down a run where I made some aggressive turns, the toe cap on my leading foot came loose. Generally, it just needs a quick tightening; but on one run the toe cap came off completely. It may just be mine needing adjusting, and no one else seems to have had this problem though. I have a pair of Burton Freestyle boots in a size 7, and the Large size binding fits perfectly. The recommendations are that 8+ go for the large, but generally I'm an 8 in shoes, and a 7 in boots and they were spot on. From a girl's looks perspective, I think that they look great in the white/gold. I have received a lot of compliments on them as they aren't just the same old black bindings that cover the mountains in Australia. All in all, these are a great set of bindings - Highly recommended.

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• Name: 2010 Sierra V Spot Snowboard Women's
• Skill:  Beginner
• Use:  Carving,High Speeds,Low Speeds,Powder
• Pros:  Soft with lots of flex, Easy turning, Great for beginner progression

Experience:   I too started snowboarding for the first time this season. I previously used a rental Burton board with Burton Progression bindings. I fell in love with snowboarding and decided to lash out and buy a board and bindings. The V-Spot is amazing. I picked up speed and progressed in my ability so much quicker with this board. All I did was have the edges detuned and a wax and she was good to go! With my new board + binding package, I didn't become tired as quickly, and found it much easier to turn and control my movement. It was great on the fresh and falling powder. The board is also really light so it's easy to carry and doesn't get too heavy when you're strapped in on the lifts. I received a lot of compliments on the graphics from both guys and girls because the board doesn't have one of the traditional girly designs.

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