snowboard width?

Assuming you`re an all-mountain type of guy, and you`re running normal angles (15/7ish)..what would considered the desired minimum board width be for a size 10.5 mens (usa) boot? (2000 Ride Rulers). The boots seem to be slightly bigger physically than the average size 10.5...and size 10.5 is right on the `borderline` from having to step up to a really wide board, which I don`t neccesarily want. My current board just has too much toe/heel drag unless i run some crazy angles. thanks Matt

Get a set of Palmer Powerlinks. I use the Flex model.. man it`s awesome. I ride 12R 15F angles and have a size 10 boot. Not only would this likely solve your heel toe drag problems, but it will make your edge to edge transitions quicker.
I never had heel/toe drag problems, I bought the Powerlinks solely for the increased speed of edge to edge transfers and it makes a BIG difference in that department.

didn`t like them. I bought the standard model and applied them to a 24cm waisted board in order to get rid of toe/heel drag. They did find for getting rid of toe-heel drag but they also changed the way by board felt under my feet - it didn`t feel like it was flexing right and I felt like I was riding it with hard boots and plates. I am much happier with a wider board and no PowerLinks.
Perhaps the Flex model won`t have this problem.
There are quite a few wider boards on the market that are very stiff cross-ways and will respond very well edge-to-edge, There`s my personal favorite brand, Donek (the boards in the previous discussion are an Incline at 24cm and a Wide at 26cm). I haven`t kept up with Salomon`s line, but the old W5, which probably exists under another model name now, always got good reviews for carvability and edge-to-edge transfer.
If you do want to go the PowerLinks route I`ll sell you mine (used two days) for $25.00 US plus shipping... but my personal recommendation is to skip the PowerLinks and get a board that matches your boot size.

I`m 10.5 too, and I used to use wide boards but now I use regular boards and I find they are adequate. So I agree with you that 10.5 is right on the borderline. I find that a little overhang is not a problem for me.
If you are finding that your toes and heels are dragging on your current board then you definitely should go wider on your next board. You should use the stance angle that is comfortable, you should not use more angle than you want just to overcome drag. If what you say is true, your boots are bigger than average, maybe if you switch boots your current board width will be ok.
But I think you already know the answer to your question. You need a setup that gives you the stance angle you find most comfortable without any annoying heel or toe drag.

You could try those risers, but that`s just a cop out for having the wrong board - but it does save you buying a new board.
There`s no way we can give you a minimum board width, as it depends on how long your boots are, the kind of beval that they have, the size and style of your bindings, your style of riding etc.
Check the FAQ for some guidance on choosing a wide board, whilst in the store, it might help narrow the choice down for you.

Most good bindings already include toe and heel ramps...

i`ve never had problems with drag. I`m not a carver but i`ve laid carved turns and had no problems either.
Even if you decide you need a wider board you don`t have to go to "really wide boards". There are several boards out there with mid wide profiles like the nitro shadow. My first board was a 27.0 waist width (i thought i needed a wide board) and it felt awful. Very slow from edge to edge and really heavy.

Thanks for the feedback guys. I tried the Palmer`s last year, and didn`t like them. I can`t explain that further except to say `they just didn`t feel right.`. Theres a good chance I may end up getting a Salomon board (due to some connections so i may get these cheaper)...does someone have stats for these boards? Their little webpage `pdf-a-fy` thing doesn`t spit out the widths for some reason. Maybe I should reword the question... ...for those of you with size 10.5 or 11 boots...what board/boot combo are you using? Right now I have a 2000 Option Supercap 159...and will probably move to a 161 this year, but a higher end board. Just booked a week in Fernie for February, woohoo! thx Matt

Using:- Main board: Donek 62 Sasquatch (280mm waist width) Rock board: Burton 62 Canyon (268mm waist width)
Have also used Salomon W4 - which I think was a 65, but I don`t know the width. Great in the backcountry, but I found it hard to turn quickly on the run outs at the bottom of the valley. Didn`t do any park/pipe or carving with it.
When I finally break my Canyon beyond repair, I`ll probably get another Donek.

reported to have stated: Donek Wide 165
I recommend the Donek highly. In no way does my Wide ride like a wide board. It`s fast and responsive - everything wide boards aren`t supposed to be. Waist is 26cm even.

Malamutes - and love it! I used to own an Incline and wanted less toe drag, so I went with a Wide. (My cousin has the Incline now and is loving it - same size feet as me but a more casual rider). No complaints whatsoever about performance... I have more fun on the Wide board because I don`t ever have to think about booting out. BTW, I get about a third to a half inch of overhang on each size with this set-up.