Buell

Just give me a heads up when you be here and I'll bring them with me. I'll certainly be ready for some groomers if it ever stops snowing!

Like HillB said in her post, she used to ride the same lift set up as you on TDs. She is happy on F2s with the lifts and cants that come with it. My understanding is the large block is not quite 6* though, so if you have to have 6*, you might need to stack a couple of opposing cant wedges on top of the large lift block. I would assume your general lift/cant preferences will be similar on the F2s, but not necessarily the exact degrees. F2 has the benefit of 1.5* changes by stacking two opposing cant wedges.

I would try a little more heel lift or a little less toe lift. Exactly what you describe would be something that would cause me to adjust my lift set up a bit. Other than that, unconscious fear can also put me in the back seat and being in the back seat keeps me from feeling comfortable until I push through it. Bad loop.

If you want to be safe, yes, order an extra set. It would be close, but I don't think you can get to 6 and 3 with the stock cants and lifts.

The flex pattern is almost certainly by design, most likely through lots of testing. We just don't hear about it because it is not the small, personal operation that we prefer to buy from when possible. I have never used more than 4 stacked cant wedges for lift (they cancel each other out to make a lift that is a little lower than the big block lift), so I don't max my lifts and shims. If you still wanted that exact SW heel and toe lift on the F2s, you probably would want to get more shims. I have read many times that the big block is 4.5*. I have never confirmed that, but if true, 4 stacked cant wedges is probably 3*, and 2 stacked cant wedges is probably 1.5*. The set comes with 4 cant wedges and one big lift block and a ramp for opposite the big lift block to help the boot sit correctly on the blocks.

Each rider should test the different bindings for themselves. They may have a strong preference either way. I think that TDs have their place and certainly many riders prefer them to other options. For me, the short answer is the flex and the flex pattern. TDs were too stiff of a ride for me. I didn't know it until I finally tried F2s at Bordy's urging. Bruce may have also had a hand in it. Carving was so much more natural as my legs had freedom to absorb and I could drive my knees into turns so much easier. The board held an edge just as well, if not better because the bindings were helping to absorb some of the terrain imperfections and I could adjust easier to absorb the rest. I said above that I never looked back, but I did buy one of the first pairs of SWs released. The main issue with the SWs is that only lateral flex is built into them and otherwise they are very stiff (weigh and height are secondary issues). I want to move up and down the long axis of the board. We talk about lateral flex, but the reality is that at 45 to 65* angles it is much more of a diagonal flex. The F2s allow this in one motion. The SWs have a dead spot in the flex and can only get there by flexing the boot forward and flexing the binding to the side which doesn't work at carving speeds.

The 157 only worked in firm conditions for me, which we did not see a lot of in Utah. One memorable day though at Snowbasin it was chalky and everyone was complaining and that board was perfection. It was too stiff for me to consistently enjoy free carving on it. It is a straight up SL board meant to run gates.

I have had a lot of gear over the years. My standouts: The original, metal topped, 183 Prior metal. Trying F2 bail bindings in 2008. My wife and I never looked back. I immediately sold all our TD2s and Suspension kits. 162 Kessler SL built for my weight. I actually had one and sold it when I switched to an SG 157 SL, then ended up getting a new Kessler built with no changes except for anything new that Hanjuerg had learned since the first one. 158 Kessler custom metal softboot carver with a 260 waist. Boards and 2008 TD2 sale

Kesslers go fast. Mine is a friendlier version for my lighter weight than stock. The stock K162 SL is serious. I loved that SG 175 Full Race Pro so much that I bought an SG 157 SL. The 175 was fast and friendly. The 157 SL not so much. When it was on it was amazing. If the conditions were softer than firm hero, it was a beast. The K162 custom is much more versatile. Sort of a quicker, more lively 168.

One of my two favorite carving boards ever, along with my 162 Kessler SL custom. I am 145 pounds and 25 mondo boots though. It was perfect for me.

What size are your boots? I have a pair of F2 Race Titanium standards - medium you can try if it ever stops dumping. I have been using them for many years with 25 mondo UPZs. My wife rode 22.5 mondo boots in the F2s as well. I think that the different F2 sizes have different plate lengths. I really like the flex, the weight, and the lower stack height of the F2s and find the cant/lift options just fine once you figure out how to use double stacks of cants for finer lift adjustment. Yes, there is a step in version. It is a bit stiffer than the standard bail version but still softer than TDs and especially Cateks.

I don't know if you would be in the weight range, but I am selling a custom Kessler 162 SL. 4x4 inserts.

bump for an amazing board!

geckos are sold

That is so cool Mick!

The shell says 258/279. I believe they are the smallest shell and UPZ uses liner thickness to get them down to 23 mondo or so. I am not sure how big they will fit.

updated original post with new photo and boot sizes. The first pair is sold, I have one more set in exactly the same condition. EDIT: Both sets SOLD

At the moment I am waiting to hear back from charliechocolate about shipping costs to Canada. I will let you know.

162 Kessler SL custom built for 130 female freecarver. SOLD. Never raced, built for my wife. 19.5 waist Turns tighter for me at 145 pounds than my 162 SL custom, but it is not too soft for me. It makes bigger carves for my wife. How tight it will turn depends on.your weight and skill. Overall excellent condition. Still has factory stonegrind and full edges. Edges are in great shape and set to 3/1. They could use a couple of passes with a stone or file to sharpen them up. Back foot inserts have a bit of binding suck and are slightly raised on the deck.

UPZ RC10 25 mondo. Very good condition. Sold. Comes with red and black tongue. Red tongue has some wear on upper arch buckle. Black tongue is hardly used.

Head Stratos Pro 22.5 mondo. Nearly perfect condition. Molded once. Very nice boot. $100 + shipping

The narrowest they will go is about 173 (converted from inches) The widest they will go is about 194mm (converted from inches) Let me know soon if you want them.

I can probably get that for you later today. I would prefer to ship domestically though. Are you in the US?

F2 Race Titanium - bails - Both sets Sold Found a receipt. Bindings are medium, 21.5 - 27.5. Very Good condition. Includes all cants, lifts, screws, center disk, and cover plate.

Apex Gecko Plate Carve - Sold Excellent condition, red bumpers.