should boards be measured in squared inches??

on the heals of another discussion it made me think that maybe boards should be measured in squared inches. length x width for a better idea of the board's size. for example a 137 byerly is about 917 inches2 and a 138 murray 902 inches2. the murray is supposed to the be larger board but seemingly quiet a few less square inches. granted this doesnt take into account tip/tail widths which could change the numbers significantly. dunno just seems like maybe its time to get truer measurements so you know your are purchasing a smaller/larger board.

(Message edited by alanp on July 28, 2005)

or cm2 either way.

It would make sense to me, b/c IMO board width is just as important as board length. Good idea Alan.

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quote:

IMO board width is just as important as board length.

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which is why board companies list board width w/ all their boards.

Yes, that would definitely make more sense. However, as you mentioned, there is more to it than just length x width. CWB boards tend to carry more of their width towards the tip and tail. This is going to give the average CWB board more surface area than the average Hyperlite board. That is something that should be taken into account when getting sized up for a board. However, it still comes down to what you feel most comfortable on, so the demo is key.

Joe, I noticed a lot of boards that don't have the tip widths listed. Not sure why they wouldn't do that...now if we could just get them all to list the weight!

Alan, I think it's a pretty good idea but don't see it happening. The board companies like to keep us guessing - they would rather have us demo and hopefully buy. The dog bone sale as they call it. (DW, I need a "roll eyes" option in clipart to insert here) lol

Brilliant idea.

This makes more sense. I would bet a 135 Marius is just as much board as most 140s. Great idea for manufactureres to measure size this way.

im sure there are many reasons for the metric measurements.

why cant we just use the metric system, just like the rest of the world does for measurement? would that make more sense? We are the only country that does not use the metric system as a standard. Is our system more accurate? If it is, why is not used worldwide? Not trying to thread jack. There is some relevancy to this thread, I think?

if they start measuring like that, it would just be confusing...especially to newer riders who do not know what to get already size wise, they would be like what the ••••••• i do now?

well maybe not measured but possibly include the square inches for people that wanna know. it would at least make for an honest measurement. i know im not alone in this when saying ive seen brand x 137 boards that dont really look any longer that 135 brand y boards. and some people may want a larger shorter board for whatever reason when in fact they buy the new board they arent getting more or less board. i think it would actually be a very useful tool for some.

I agree, most snowboards include a ton of information that is useful if you take notes and are pretty well schooled on the differences, I.E. sidecut, profile, flex, contact points etc. I would like to see the manufacturers give us all the relative dimensions and measurements so we could make a more informed decision. Unfortunately that is the exact opposite of how they make money.

Snowboards dont last more than a season or two but wakeboards could last a while, and manufacturers need to sell them every year. Its in their interest to lead you in a blind chase, continually telling you that the next board will make you better than the last. I am sure once lakes have rail parks like mountains do, the life expectancy of a board will decrease giving them less reason to keep you un-informed.

Then again, if one company did it and it showed favorable sales results, it would force them all to do it, if they were competing with each other.