I am wondering what the thougths are on these boards? I have been considering a 1st land board and found one of these lightly used (<20 times) locally for $280.. (good deal?)

http://www.amazon.com/Ground-Industries-Patrol-106-Mountainb...

How can I tell/know what my stance width needs to be? My biggest concern is having the board be to narrow stance? I have done some snowboarding and used "generic" stance width on whatever gear I rented, so I guess it could not be too bad?

It's not a killer deal, but at the same time.... it's not a bad price. BigBen sold me his 106 for a bit less, but that's often the case in PKF transactions.

The stance on the Patrol 106 is fairly generous. The Conflict and AK might be a smidge wider, but what's a few whiskers.

Quote:

Originally posted by lamrith How can I tell/know what my stance width needs to be?

Pop up in the air and land with both feet in line. Now squat down as if you were going to grab the toeside of the board as you would in a powerslide. If that feels pretty comfortable, that distance between your feet is your approximate stance width.

ATB,
Sam

And once again, Sam to the rescue! being 6'4" my stance is likely to be on the wider side. hoping the 106 will fit well, need to research what it's normal stance measurement is.

Yeah it is a local guy on a local forum, I may contact him when I have $ in hand.

Since GI is no longer, anything I need to be worried about longterm? What are replacement parts like for them? Springs, bushings etc?

Quote:

Originally posted by lamrith And once again, Sam to the rescue! being 6'4" my stance is likely to be on the wider side. hoping the 106 will fit well, need to research what it's normal stance measurement is.

Will see about pulling a stance width spec for the 106, so that you can throw a yard stick down on the floor and get a rough idea of what the foot placement on the board is like.

Quote:

Originally posted by lamrith Since GI is no longer, anything I need to be worried about longterm? What are replacement parts like for them? Springs, bushings etc?

Parts like hubs, tires, bearings and bindings you will be able to source from other manufactures without compatibilty issues.

Compononent parts for the Torsion Bionics are already scarce, but when it finally gives up the ghost you can also use another truck even if it requires redrilling the board. Relatively painless, but you will probably get you $280's worth of smiles and giggles before that happens.

ATB,
Sam