shane groshong

Just also wanted to say thanks. I look forward to this each year, and it always proves to be a good time. Thanks to Bryan, Don, and Etsu for posting pictures and video. Hope to see you all soon again. Shane

Glad to see everyone is getting excited about riding. Sorry I have been out of touch with work for awhile. If any of you have questions my cell number is 541-913-2706. I think I am going to be riding on Wednesday.

Yes, I have been trying to learn all I can. We will talk soon. Love to hear all the ideas for the new setup. Talk to you soon. Shane

Klugs boards were 185, 21 waist, and they had a 15.5 meter sidecut. I wanted one for quite sometime, but have lost interest since riding my Kessler w/ hangle. Great big guy board.

To all who have been waiting I apologize for the delay in posting this report. I am a 6' 1" 230 lb riding who has been riding for quite awhile. I rode a bunch in the late 80's and early 90's. I quit cold turkey for about twelve years and got back into four years ago. I am completely addicted again. The board is a 209 powder board built by Diablo Composites. The board has a 22.5 waist. Other boards I have ridden that compare are the 200 tanker, and the 192 tanker. I have always liked the 192 tanker. I really liked the board for the way I ride. For some reason the 200 never took for me. I messed with it, and never got it to feel the way I wanted it to feel. One thing I am a believer in is riding the same or close to the same angles that I ride for carving. I just feel the more comfortable I am in all conditions the better I will be rather than switching stances for different boards and conditions. The stance I am riding is a 56 front and 54 back. So to the board. I have ridden the board three days. The first thing that I noticed was that the board did not feel like a 209. It feels and rides like my 192 tanker with distinct advantages. The biggest advantage I see is the completion of the turn. My 192 always has felt hooky at the end of the turn. The 209 has no hookiness at end of the turn. Where this is really evident is when you go from the powder and hit a groomed run. The board completes the turn like many true carve boards. I believe the 2 cm of taper, and the stance set-back, along with the 13m sidecut are what make this happen. The board is extremely soft when hand flexed, however the board feels like it has substance under foot when riding. Even at my 230lbs I don't feel the board is too soft. The flex is very consistant to the length. It feels continous rather than just in the tip and tail. Also I believe the length helps to span the bumps and variations in terrain. When riding powder the board is an absolute dream. The wide nose floats high and above the snow. It seems to gain great speed when pointed straight, which is because of both the length and nose. The biggest thing I enjoyed about this board was the ability to make short choppy turns if needed. I thought this board would be difficult in the trees, but this is not the case. The taper and softness of the board allows me to make quicker turns than one would expect with the length of the board. Sometimes I find my toe side turns to be difficult on the steeps because of the angles that I ride. This is the easiest powder board I have ridden on the steeps. All in all I would suggest this board to all who want a board that floats high and goes fast. Great board, easy to ride, and commands attention in the lift line. Good enough to sell both the 200 and 192 tankers. I am confident that stepping up to the 209 Diablo will only take your powder riding to the next level.

Hey I am really 6'1" and 230lb. Contact Eric at Diablo, or contact me and I can help you out. Ny number is 541-913-2706, or email at shanetgroshong@yahoo.com. There are some other boards being made that might fit the bill as well.

Hey just a word to let you all know the guys at Diablo Composites are building some really great performing boards in the all mountain and powder board categories. I have been very impressed with the 188 bx board they came out with a couple years ago, and now I can't be more excited about the 209 powder board I just got this last week. The guys are using mostly old school technology with the hopped up benefits of carbon fiber. I think the biggest advantage to the boards is their knowledge of shape and design. If you get the chance I will have a review of the new powder board posted soon.

Mike thanks for the note. I am going to have another one I want you to try out. Next time I am in town I will let you know. Talk to you soon.

Bryan, The top sheet is red texillium with a matte clear top sheet. It really tones down the bling, but I must say I really like the look of it. Hoping to make it to Bachelor one day this week to check it out. Hope to see you soon.

Early season at Bachelor is $799. After October 1st it goes up. I believe is to be $999, but could be wrong.

Just got the new Diablo powder board. I must say this is the nicest Diablo yet, even Eric of Diablo agrees. It came out at 209cm with a 22.5 waist. They did some things with setback and taper that I am quite excited about. We have a 194cm powder board in the works with the same shape just adjusted to the 194 length. This thing should be a rocket ship. I had it built to replace my 200 tanker, never really liked. I have however always loved the 192 tanker, and the 194 Diablo will be the replacement to that board. I can't wait to give everyone a review after the first ride. Just wanted to show you all what has been in the works from Eric and Abel of Diablo.

Mike, if you don't go to paris I will have a Diablo 173 bx that I think you will really like. It will be much more manageable for you. If you want I could even ship up earlier for you to ride if you wanted. Hope to see you at Bachelor. Shane

I would ride something big and floaty. Many of my friends and I ride tankers with plates. One buddy of my has done many heli trips and his favorite board is the tanker 187 helicat, and a 200 for the wide open faces. Hope this helps.

I can't wait for the response to the new powder boards from these guys. I have a 209 on its way. I will definitely post some pics and a review as soon as I ride it. More models are in the works, but I will let the guys tell you about them. These boards have something in them that just works. Them seem to never give up. If you can I encourage you to get your hands on one.

Dan I still use it all the time, but I may be a bit behind the times. Glad to see people are getting excited about the non OES event.

I will look forward to it. Thanks for the response. Talk to you soon.

Carving the last few days at Bachelor have been great for early season conditions. Not much snow, but the coverage on the runs are pretty good. I rode four days and did not hit any rocks. Look forward to seeing you all this year. Shane

Hey just putting the word out that I am riding at Mt. Bachelor on March 4,5,6,7. I might even ride on the 3rd. I am not putting together an OES event, rather just a time to see everyone for some great carving and maybe a late season powder day. I might cook breakfast in the parking lot one morning. Coos Bay Tim you better help. I hope I won't be riding alone, and cooking for one.

Hey I have a 180 Kessler regular with a hangle plate. If you are interested. I want a 185. Let me know what you are thinking. Email me at shanetgroshong@yahoo.com or 541-913-2706. Thanks, Shane

I have one side of my duplex open if anyone is thinking of moving to Bend for the winter. Let me know if you are interested. Call Shane at 541-913-2706.

I rep these googles and glasses in Oregon. I think you will find them to be a great google. It you can afford it buy one pair and pony up for another lense color to meet all your needs for light conditions. Make sure to pick a google based on your face size. I use the med-large face sizes. They fit snug and fogging is not a problem. You are also able to get the Eliminator fan if you feel fogging is an issue, but definitely not needed. My code is FISHON. This will give you access to the best pricing. Feel free to pass the code on to others who may be interested. Also email me at shanetgroshong@yahoo.com if you have any further questions. Thanks, Shane

New school race models have there place, but not good all the time. I have a kessler kst which without a doubt is a great ride. However, now I feel only a great board on the steeper terrain. I would much prefer a centered sidecut board for the mountain I ride (bachelor). Here is why. The kessler works great on the steeper runs our hill offers. Hooks up great and let you cross the hill and control speed even with the opened up sidecut in the tail of the board, but the nose hooks up hard enough to control speed initially. However on the less steep terrain the board is slow and tends to not carry speed because of the initial hook up. I am now riding 200 plus cm boards (diablo composites, tinkler) and am finding speed in greatly increase and thrill factor bigger. I feel the metal works better for the lighter rider, but big guys don't see the advantage that smaller guys get. We all need a bunch of boards. Why not, but to say the new custom metal is the kill all, kill everything is a bit too much. I am starting to learn for me big is better, at least for the time. A year ago I never thought I needed a board over 190cm, now I want it all the time. Bordy, I am not saying your wrong, but maybe not just right. You yourself made a video on the subject (granted pre metal days). And I believe the video included a burton pj and you guys ripped on it.

Mike could I please take the intec heel recievers. I will pick up next time in Bend. Shane

I am sure he is great. On the West coast we have Brian Taylor at the Race Place in Bend. Just had him tune a board for me. Super sharp. He also tunes Adam Smiths boards. Good enough for a world cup rider, good enough for me.

Yesterday and today were excellent. However the carving is over. Started snowing as I was leaving today. See ya soon.