I am looking to buy a board, but I am not quite sure what size to get. I am 5'7'' (170cm), 161 lbs (73 kg), and wear a 7.5 shoe size (US)... I've been boarding for a couple of years and prefer freeride. What size board would you recommend?

Also...

I've heard that there sometimes compatibility issues with Burton boards and non-Burton bindings. Are you aware of any issues with a Burton Custom X and Salomon Relay Pro or Relay Series 07 bindings?
Paul, Snowboarder, John -

Thanks for your ... if you can, I'd like more info on the bindings.

l read on another forum that one can get a 3 hole disc that can be used to make a Burton board and non-Burton bindings compatible. Would you recommended that course of action... or would you strictly stay with Burton?

If so, will they make binding installation anymore of a hassle?

Though I've only been riding for only a couple of years, l know that l dont like Burton bindings and boots, thus I am leaning towards the Salomon Relay Series binding (and either the K2 T1, Northwave Decade SL2, or the Nitro Team TLS boot).

Oh, and too late on the board... my girlfriend went ahead and got me a Burton Custom X 158 (birthday gift... l love that girl... l swear, she can read my mind!!)... cant return it cause I am in Germany and she is in DC... board arrived here today.

I've answered questions like this a few times. Here is one of my more detailed answeres:

http://..com/question/index;_ylt=AgESUtVMj3W.xEutZUTQZs3sy6IX?qid=20060703151316AA3XHPR

Remember that length actually has little to do with ur height & more to do with ur weight, ability level & riding style. In a Custom X I'd recommend a 152 for park riding, a 156 for all around riding & a 158 for freeriding. Seeing as u have been boarding only a couple years & have small feet l think that 156 would be perfect.

And u r correct that there can be conflicts with Burton Boards & a different companies bindings. Burton use their 3D mounting system (only three screws r used to mount the bindings) as opposed to the 4x4 system (four screws r used to mount the bindings) that everyone else uses. Some bindings can accomodate the Burton sytem but it is something u will need to confirm before u buy ur bindings. l do not know much about the Salomon bindings so u may want to give them a call

as far as the size goes try a 155. as far as the compatability goes, thats true. burton boards have a ''3-d'' setup of holes. most bindings have a traditoinal setup of holes. burton bindings work with both. most bindings besides burton bindings wont work with a burton board. l dont know about those models, but before u buy the bindings, make sure they have the holes in a triangle shape. if they dont they wont work.

one more thing.. damn ur feet r small!! l wear a us 8.5 but im only 100 lbs & 5'5''

the binding thing has been answered. so for the length.

your into freeride, then go long, absolutely. l think with your size and weight you could evewn go for a 160 or 162/3.
but thats just me..