Michael_A

xxguitarist ... yes, surfing is my main thing too ... I live 20 minutes from Crotched Mountain but I really don't like to snowboard unless the snow is decent.

Anyone been at Sunapee recently? Wondering if the rain we had last week has wrecked the snow (i.e. turned it into New England ice) Michael

This sounds fun, I had a blast in spring bumps last weekend up at Stowe; didnt' realize how fun it could be. Michael

Kudos to John, He said he could do it and now he's showed us he can do it. And, he makes it look easy! Michael

***Sold*** Hey Shred, I also have a Volkl Cross 167, decent condition, will be posting on BOL Monday. Has a 25cm waist, 9-ish scr, ridden about 30 times and a PTC tune. Michael

***SOLD*** Hello, These boots have been used about 30 times and are in fine condition. I replaced the heelpad with Bomber ones (a big improvement). They also have booster straps which make them stiffer if needed. I have two sets non-thermoflex liners; one I used (and have ankle wedges; I have thin ankles); the others are not used. What's missing: I got custom footbeds made and tossed the original footbeds. From what I recall these were simply a very thin sheet of plastic the shape of a foot. I don't think they add much if anything to the boot. Boots are lower end but they always worked fine for me; if you are big and heavy or an experienced ripper you will be wanting something stiffer, from what I have read. Asking $100 obo + shipping. I'm going soft-boot as I have two young boys just learning to ski and I need to "go slow" for a few years. Thanks, Michael

I have a Volkl Cross 167, good condition, ridden about 30 times. Bought it new (NOS) a year and a half ago, with ptc tune. Would sell for $150 plus shipping. One impressive scratch on deck, some minor dings on base have been repaired. Can post pix if you are interested. Definitely a good board for plates, 25cm waist so it works eve if you have big feet. Michael

Hello, In my experience board length should be decided by one's weight and riding style (a longer stiffer board favoring a more aggressive style). I am 6'6" but weigh only 165#. Some people think that gives me more leverage so to buy a board based on a heavier weight than what I actually am. Personally, I don't see how a higher COG means I can flex the board more. Anyone out there done any experimentation? I'm in the market for some new equipment but am getting conflicting advice.... Michael

Rob, What angles do you ride (duck)? I am guessing 21/-6 or such? Michael

Rob, For softboot carving, do you have any control over the radius (the way we can in hardboots) or are you more locked into the board's radius? If all you can do is stay balanced over the edge (especially on heelside) what else can you do to get more dynamic through the carve? Michael

John, Thanks for al that info, it is great! I just picked up some Union Force DLX for $129 (brand new) and will set them up tonight. A vid or photos would be fantastic to supplement your words. Are you doing any binding/setup clinics in the Boston area these days? Michael

Hey Bob, Do you have any experience with the Union bindings John Gilmour mentioned? Can't tell if they are really any different or if it's just the straps that people like. Michael

John, Are you using those Force DLX bindings in conjunction with a pretty stiff boot? I'm needing to upgrade my boots and/or bindings -- they are both only moderately supportive ... and wondering if my best investment is in boots or bindings. Michael

At 44 I have found that strengthening my core has had DRAMATIC effects on aches & pains, overall fitness, ability to recover after big days, balance, posture, etc. I do a 20-minute routine about 5 days a week which doesn't sound like much but makes a big difference. The book I use is by Mark Verstegen. Michael

jtslalom, Hey, I would love to see any good videos of softboot carving...do you know of any links to some good ones? I am riding at 30/21 on a softer board and finding those angles are fine, just about to upgrade to a stiffer board (Donek Sasquatch) and boots which I hope will make things even better! Michael