I am about 5'8''140 pounds, size 8.5 - 9 street shoe. l have pretty narrow feet.
l will mostly be on groomed trails but l wanna eventually maybe hit the park. Basically l want that option. So all mountain free ride style
l went riding twice with some friends last year on a rental. l feel like l caught on really quick for going only twice. l can make it down the mountain at good speed on easy-intermediate runs Im thinking l will be able to progress a lot this year and l want a board that can progress with me and last atleast two seasons. Most importantly l want a great boot and l think l will be getting my boots first. l really like the burton ICS EST board binding setup but think thats too advanced/expensive?
Willing to spend probably up to 450 on a board, 175 on boots, and 175 on bindings. l do not wanna sacrifice any quality esp. in boots.
Also I am not into girly snowboard graphics.
What about a men is board?
suggestions and opinions appreciated!!
Thank you all!!

l entered ur stuff into this site, this is how l found my first board: http://frostyrider.com/tips/size-guide.htm
From what l entered, look for boards at about 153, plus or minus 1. l put u at intermediate because u mentioned u wanted to progress so 153 would be good for you. l also chose free-style & free-ride because of what u want to do. When u reenter that info into the site it will give u a whole bunch of recommended boards. l got my info then searched on ebay for new boards & got a brand new 08-09 board for about 150 bucks less than a retail site.

First, mens boards r no different than women is - other than the graphics. Second, there is no reason to spend $750 on a setup that only needs to cost $500. Forget the Burton hype & go with a great brand that does not cost a bundle.

Use the snowboard size calculator:
http://frostyrider.com/tips/size-guide.htm

l would suggest the following brands: Ride or K2. You may not want a women is board because of the graphics, but u will be able to get a great deal. The Ride Grace, K2 Skyla & K2 Luna r all favorites for improving riders.

Check out some of the clearance deals available now in the off season. Do u have a Sports Authority near you? They have a Sept (?) clearance every year. On line - there r lots of good shops there too.

http://sierrasnowboard.com/K2-Skyla-Womens-17854.asp

http://sierrasnowboard.com/K2-Luna-Women-17851.asp

As far as bindings go, u can not go wrong with the Ride EX or something similar - all metal buckels & hardware that wo not break. For boots, go to a local shop & try on everything they have - get the ones that feel like they were made for you. Size them a little tight (they will ''pack out'' as the foam compresses) but not too tight - u might want to size boots with a normal sock & wear a thicker wool blend once ur boots r broken in.

Good Luck