lamby

I love hard booting and riding plate bindings in all conditions from splendid groomers to chopped up crud to pillowy pow. I'm ready to move up from my old TD1s to either TD3s or sidewinders. When I got started in carving (over ten years ago) I was on Burton race plates. I went to Trench diggers as i was breaking bales on the burtons. The change was dramatic and it took some getting used to. With the burtons i was used to a lot of play and flexibility in the binding/boot/board interface. Locking into the TD1's was like going from a big ol' Cadillac to a Ferrari. There was nothing subtle about the TD1s - every movement of the foot was transmitted to the board. After about two runs I was used to it and loved it!!! (I really liked that they were so responsive, and I think I still like that about them). When my wife started braking bales on her burtons we tried her out on a set of TD1s - she didn't like the TD1s at all. She went back to race plates (she still rides 'em - I change out the bales for new ones every few years). So, I want to upgrade my bindings (I still ride TD1s - I also change out the to bales on my TD1s every several years - time to do that again or get new binders - going for the upgrade:). I'm thinking I would be very happy with the TD3s. I'm not sure if I would be happy with the more flexible Sidewinders, but I'm intrigued by them and the improvements they are said to bring. I've done some searching and have found some threads about the benefits of the Sidewinders, but thought I'd try reaching out for some advice here. Anyone gone from TD1s, 2s or 3s to the Sidewinder and found that they did not appreciate the added side-to-side movement provided by the Sidewinders? (or does anyone have any thoughts on this topic in general? - all feedback greatly appreciated). Gracias, lamby

thing of beauty. can't believe no one is jumping on this. I'm sorely tempted, but work is kind of scarce, so will just keep riding my worn out sticks fer now:)

tognar.com has a lot of useful information about tuning your own gear.

reply email sent

yes, still available

propers WG!

nice post. been wondering what other hard-booters think is the best board for powder. Burton's latest binding mount system was putting me off to considering decks like the Malolo or Fish - i like riding powder in hard boots and plates. Your post lets me know that these decks are not out of the question. What other powder decks are people digging? I ride powder on my old burton 63 e-deck and love it, but I know that the new shapes and cambers are a whole other scene. I want to upgrade to a new board with rocker and/or other technical improvements that benefit riding off-piste.

thanks for sharing the vid of you enjoying the slopes - nice stuff. Its a blast being in the mountains and sliding around on all sorts of toys.

Yes, they are mondo 25.5. Thanks

Burton Wind boots size 25.5. These are my wife's boots and she wears a womans size 9 shoe. Shells are in very good condition. Liners are in fair condition with duct tape applied foam pads at ankle locations. $125 plus shipping <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/F-jwQuLLN0PgdPfUZCKGzdhf2rUKIi4UwMsqnxhrg7Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnLEkpV3z7o/TNrxTeoPq1I/AAAAAAAABOc/MRa5_FaEce4/s400/11%2010%2010%20Wins%20Boots%2025.5%20-%2027%20%2816%29.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/goodtrails/WindBoots25527?authkey=Gv1sRgCIy617j34I_xIQ&feat=embedwebsite">Wind Boots 25.5 - 27</a></td></tr></table> <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0thLL1zhvWEMFMEa60MWGthf2rUKIi4UwMsqnxhrg7Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnLEkpV3z7o/TNryXOYJ0dI/AAAAAAAABPA/DwzcIsYnL70/s640/11%2010%2010%20Wins%20Boots%2025.5%20-%2027%20%2815%29.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/goodtrails/WindBoots25527?authkey=Gv1sRgCIy617j34I_xIQ&feat=embedwebsite">Wind Boots 25.5 - 27</a></td></tr></table> <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/54h9YANdRQzmtx2nKJen5thf2rUKIi4UwMsqnxhrg7Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnLEkpV3z7o/TNryWvBylyI/AAAAAAAABO4/yr_XxF72TdY/s640/11%2010%2010%20Wins%20Boots%2025.5%20-%2027%20%2813%29.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/goodtrails/WindBoots25527?authkey=Gv1sRgCIy617j34I_xIQ&feat=embedwebsite">Wind Boots 25.5 - 27</a></td></tr></table> <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ETketUvjmWtXMcn25XJi0thf2rUKIi4UwMsqnxhrg7Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnLEkpV3z7o/TNrxVNMYIMI/AAAAAAAABOo/8IG3zvLREPs/s640/11%2010%2010%20Wins%20Boots%2025.5%20-%2027%20%289%29.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/goodtrails/WindBoots25527?authkey=Gv1sRgCIy617j34I_xIQ&feat=embedwebsite">Wind Boots 25.5 - 27</a></td></tr></table> <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/54h9YANdRQzmtx2nKJen5thf2rUKIi4UwMsqnxhrg7Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnLEkpV3z7o/TNryWvBylyI/AAAAAAAABO4/yr_XxF72TdY/s640/11%2010%2010%20Wins%20Boots%2025.5%20-%2027%20%2813%29.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/goodtrails/WindBoots25527?authkey=Gv1sRgCIy617j34I_xIQ&feat=embedwebsite">Wind Boots 25.5 - 27</a></td></tr></table> <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iXlCViy4jyON6_YWYmbncdhf2rUKIi4UwMsqnxhrg7Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnLEkpV3z7o/TNryw4EJogI/AAAAAAAABPQ/wnxcbEJg7MU/s640/11%2010%2010%20Wins%20Boots%2025.5%20-%2027%20%2820%29.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/goodtrails/WindBoots25527?authkey=Gv1sRgCIy617j34I_xIQ&feat=embedwebsite">Wind Boots 25.5 - 27</a></td></tr></table> <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6FaXLZtLhaLioNZ6z-LZ0dhf2rUKIi4UwMsqnxhrg7Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnLEkpV3z7o/TNrxUE8x5AI/AAAAAAAABOg/DRWOOOr58BQ/s640/11%2010%2010%20Wins%20Boots%2025.5%20-%2027%20%283%29.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/goodtrails/WindBoots25527?authkey=Gv1sRgCIy617j34I_xIQ&feat=embedwebsite">Wind Boots 25.5 - 27</a></td></tr></table> <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8JTStAvjAEIpaune1Bi9hthf2rUKIi4UwMsqnxhrg7Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnLEkpV3z7o/TNrxUq-WZbI/AAAAAAAABOk/-0vyF2sv-So/s640/11%2010%2010%20Wins%20Boots%2025.5%20-%2027%20%286%29.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/goodtrails/WindBoots25527?authkey=Gv1sRgCIy617j34I_xIQ&feat=embedwebsite">Wind Boots 25.5 - 27</a></td></tr></table>

158 Nidecker Escape $125 plus shipping length: 158 waist: 20.5 side cut: 8 effective edge: 129 Board is in very good condition. Edges reasonably sharp with no large areas of damage. Base is in good condition (could use a wax job). Some minor top-sheet damage near tail and a couple of small scratches in base. A lively and fun deck. <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xgUHvTDRT-KLk9CpD_g3IkLfnJc2iMfG7_T40dOnuEo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mnLEkpV3z7o/TNrb6OPMdMI/AAAAAAAABNY/SA1QOaoifZY/s640/11%2010%2010%20nidecker%20158%20escape%20%2813%29.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/goodtrails/NideckerEscape158?authkey=Gv1sRgCL6S-KWNhej9ugE&feat=embedwebsite">Nidecker Escape 158</a></<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LZEl_aq08FWF27eRumcNRELfnJc2iMfG7_T40dOnuEo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnLEkpV3z7o/TNrb6my9h5I/AAAAAAAABNc/24l2_9HWOSs/s640/11%2010%2010%20nidecker%20158%20escape%20%2816%29.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/goodtrails/NideckerEscape158?authkey=Gv1sRgCL6S-KWNhej9ugE&feat=embedwebsite">Nidecker Escape 158</a></td></tr></table>td></tr></table> <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/thc0l76b6Ry-7Gfs0jOYD0LfnJc2iMfG7_T40dOnuEo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnLEkpV3z7o/TNrch4EM8RI/AAAAAAAABNs/-h7djBZJJVA/s640/11%2010%2010%20nidecker%20158%20escape%20%2821%29.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/goodtrails/NideckerEscape158?authkey=Gv1sRgCL6S-KWNhej9ugE&feat=embedwebsite">Nidecker Escape 158</a></td></tr></table> <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lwP6KYf_LzWzT3gUyut7yELfnJc2iMfG7_T40dOnuEo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mnLEkpV3z7o/TNrci-oE9QI/AAAAAAAABN4/rnWb8oPXfYY/s640/11%2010%2010%20nidecker%20158%20escape%20%2825%29.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/goodtrails/NideckerEscape158?authkey=Gv1sRgCL6S-KWNhej9ugE&feat=embedwebsite">Nidecker Escape 158</a></td></tr></table> <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hBqr-jo_-wTJl1PLM5FrJELfnJc2iMfG7_T40dOnuEo?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mnLEkpV3z7o/TNrciUp0zlI/AAAAAAAABNw/LgeEgFd0is8/s640/11%2010%2010%20nidecker%20158%20escape%20%2823%29.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/goodtrails/NideckerEscape158?authkey=Gv1sRgCL6S-KWNhej9ugE&feat=embedwebsite">Nidecker Escape 158</a></td></tr></table>

:) thanks for reminding me of winter

:lol: lets talk again, once you are fully trained... Shots were taken on several locations around the mountain. first shot is is from Frenchman's Chair above Graduate run. Jerry and I were riding over on Seattle Ridge when we shot the 2 short snowboarding bits. Last shot is top of Challenger chair - coming to the top of Baldy from the Warm Springs side.

Hey Jer - I just posted that video over in the "video" section. Grainy images - I seem to loose a ton of quality when I upload to Youtube. here is a link to it: sun valley vid

Some video shot on March 11, 2010. Booters (in order of appearance): Carvedog and lamby. Sun Valley, Idaho, Bald Mountain

I voted no, because if you file it away in another place it will just be neatly tucked in where I'm less likely to come across an interesting discussion.

Oh yea, recommendations for trails: You'll be approaching from the parking area to the base lodges at the bottom of Needles Express Gondola. You can take this Gondola as a way to get started. Really lovely ride up, especially as you approach the top - you go next to some nice bands of rock/cliffs, then get deposited at another stunning lodge. There is a map as you get off the lifts and often a courtesy patrol hanging out there giving suggestions for good runs for differing abilities. Looking at the mountain from the bottom - looking to right - John Paul high speed Quad - takes you to great terrain, freshies, trees, open glades. When you get low and want to get back to the chair it can get interesting. Sort of some terrain to get back over to get to the chair, but just follow the tracks of others - no porblem. Also on the right looking up - further right - if you want an adreniline rush, take the top gondola if it is running -= the Allen Peak Tram. Takes you to the top of the mens downhill start. Sure to have you giving props to the guys who race this face. From the top of the tram you can get over to the shooting star/no name area - incredible bowls/powder runs. The other side of the mountain is accessed by Strawberry Gondola - tons of great intermediate cruizing and other stuff I have'nt discovered yet,. Great facilities and lifts and a super mountain.

I bet you have a great time! Was just riding the lift here in Sun Valley with a friend who was over at Snow Basin last week. He had a great time - new snow and great conditions (he did say it was kinda busy on the weekend). We have enjoyed Snow Basin a lot on our trips there. The mountain is fun. We found the most challenging terrain up higher on the mountain. Mid mountain is a lot of intermediate terrain, and the lower portions include some long beginner runs back to the lifts. The mountain includes a great variety of terrain and experiences. There are some places where you can get stalled out because you didn't kn ow you need to carry speed to get to the next area. If its good visibility this is less of a challenge. Hope you have a great trip. We want to head back there again. Last season we went over after the lifts closed for the season here. We hit a big storm and had a blast:D link to trail map/web site: http://www.snowbasin.com/images/trail_maps/mtn_trail_map_w.jpghttp://www.snowbasin.com/images/trail_maps/mtn_trail_map_w.jpg

A local shop in Ketchum, ID (SkiTek) used to rent hard boots and boards. I rented an F2 from them (don't know what model it was, but it was an asymmetrical board). took it to Soldier Mt. for a day trip and was hooked on hard booting

7.95m

Yes, the shape of the ski is making it much more fun than the old style skis I was on years ago. The loaner skis I'm on now are last years model Fischer Watea.

Valsam! Hope your face is still attached to your head:eek:

I'm still carving on my snowboard most of the time, but I've gotten back on skis this season. I grew up skiing in Michigan - no lessons, so ingrained bad habits. Was a low intermediate skier at best. Didn't ski for about 15 years, then moved to the mountains. Skied infrequently, even though we lived at the base of the mountain. (We cross country ski a ton). When I did ski on the mountain I wasn't having a lot of fun, so I just didn't do it much. A friend suggested we give snowboarding a try. We took a lesson and had a ball that first season learning some of the ins and outs of keeping ourselves upright on the hill. The friend who suggested we give snowboarding a try was/is an awesome carver, so before long I was checking out hard boots and plate bindings. I fell in love with snowboarding even more and have been digging the digging of trenches since. For a number of seasons I've been saying that I'd like to get on skis again. A friend has donated some well used boots to my cause, and another is letting me borrow some skis. I have a pair of adjustable backcountry poles, so I'm in business. I'm having a lot of fun learning to ski again - I feel like I'm not hung up on any old bad habits. I'm finding a great deal of comfort with the learning and I think it has a lot to do with my snowboarding. I still suck on skis, but I'm getting better and having fun enjoying the mountain on two planks. Before long I imaging I'll be venturing into the bumps and crude and all sorts of stuff. For now the groomers are a good challenge:biggthump

Sorry to hear about your injury Steve - hope you make a speedy recovery. I've been following this thread only intermittently, so forgive me if I am less than completely informed about your condition, but am I correct in my understanding that you have not seen a doctor about your ankle yet? It might be a really good idea to go see an orthopedic doc about your condition and how you came to hurt yourself. My wife broke her ankle (talus) hard-booting two years ago, but it went undiagnosed for two weeks. Her x-rays showed no break. Doc said Rest, Ice, elevate the ankle. If in two weeks you are not better we will need to do an MRI. In two weeks, still painful to walk on. MRI revealed break of talus (inner ankle bone). Surgery and rehab, but better than what would have happened if it went untreated. The bone can die, (narcrocis - sp??). Talus break is a fairly common snowboarding injury that is often misdiagnosed by docs - they are not often trained to look for this injury. My wife was back carving the following winter (last season) and is really doing better this season. Still has some pain, but with lots of stretching and p.t. is doing better every day. I really think you need to see an orthopedic specialist about your injury asap. By the way, she broke it in a toe-side turn. She carved in to a pile of man-made snow from the groomed run and got into heavy boot chatter - bang, bang, bang... - felt the pain on the first bang. Boots buckled up loosely - it was a cold day and she had boot covers on and had forgot to tighten her boots up on the chair-lift ride up, so she was riding with her boots done up only loosely. She was riding with her boots in walk-mode too.

I like playing around on the sides of runs and looking for kickers on the cat tracks and such. I don't get into the half pipe except to ride up the sides and get scared looking up the walls :) Our main mountain doesn't have a park, but our smaller hill (Dollar Mnt.) has one. I've gone over there and played in the park with my friend and his son. We worked up to the medium sized jumps and had a blast. Still, I'm 53 and have to watch out that I don't kid myself into thinking I'm 18 from time to time. But I do like messing around getting a little air here and there.