I've been boarding for about five years and have already bought my own boots (Northwave, size 10). This year I am looking at buying my own board and bindings before l go away to Les Arcs in January. I am 5'10'' and just over 15 stone (i do not like to admit it, but l know it is important for getting the right board). I've got a budget of £400-£450 and I am an all-mountain rider- l do not go to the parks. Any help would be greatly appreciated, cheers.

First of all, you are not an all mountain rider, since you do not go to the parks.
You need a wide board..
Try the burton custom, with mission bindings..

You do not need a wide board with size 10 boots, & and all-mountain board will be fine for you, although u could also get a free-ride board if u r more inclined towards a stiffer, faster board. l do not know what boards sell for in the UK, but considering the Pound-dollar ratio I'd bet that you're not going to run into many budget constraints. l can do metric to imperial conversions, but l am afraid many american have no clue what stone actually means. so l look3ed it up, & it appears that it is roughly 210 lbs, correct? for that weight I'd be looking into a board that was 162-166, & probably on the longer end of that ratio.

As for bindings, I'd be looking at the stiffer all mountain or free-ride ones as well. They will be a lot more responsive than the more forgiving freestyle binders. Look for a good pair of intermediate level bindings. You get a lot of the proven tech trickling down form the high end, without the latest gimmicks or experiments, & the price tag is a lot more palatable.

If l were you, l would have a board shipped from the US so that u could take advantage of the exchange rate.

If u r looking at free ride, riding trees & groomed runs & general all mountain riding l would really suggest a Ride or K2 board. My favorite is the Ride Control & the Ride EX binding (the Ride LX binding is OK too, just not as nice). These can be found at 50% off clearance, but u have missed most of those for the year (Aug - Sept).

Check these boards / bindings:

Ride Control ($350)
http://sierrasnowboard.com/Ride-Control-42358.asp

Ride Fleetwood ($175 clearance - Wide version of Control)
http://sierrasnowboard.com/Ride-Fleetwood-1966.asp

Ride EX ($150)
http://sierrasnowboard.com/Ride-EX-42498.asp

Ride RX ($60 clearance, reg $120)
http://sierrasnowboard.com/Ride-LX-Womens-1981.asp

Good Luck

Check out the Union Force is for bindings.

Awesome.Went to Les Arcs last winter & it was amazing, snowed at night & glorious sun during the day!!! l am def going back this season!!

l would recommend that u go to ur local snowdome & get testing those boards!! l know that Leeds & Tamworth both let u do this & l am sure milton keynes will too. Just speak to one of their sales advisers(they really r very good & know what they're talking about!) They will let u test a board with bindings which will best suit you. l think they will make u leave ur Credit Card with them & then head out on the slope! It is a great way to try out a couple of boards & get a real feel for what you're spending u money on as it is a lot!!!!

You do not nessesarily need a wide board with size 10 feet. Maybe give one a try & u will be able to see the difference!?!

Have an awesome time in Les Arcs & l hope u find he board of ur dreams!!!!