[The Cutest Little Hardbooter]

You might be a loving child for the time being, if possible: This week I gave my dad (63) his first snowboarding lesson, in his ski boots, on my brother's old Hot Spirit. After 4 hours he managed both heel- and frontside turns and called it a day. Seems to me he's hooked.

[Size of UPZ boots]

Thanks for the input all around. Unfortunately, if I do decide to get them, it won't be from Dan. That would be rather roundabout, since I live in Austria where the boots are made.

[Size of UPZ boots]

I realize this is not the most thrilling question, but still: Can anyone offer experience concerning the size of UPZ RSV? Currently I have an Indy, Mondo size29.5. My feet are rather narrow, I think.

Would the UPZ 29.5 be about the same size, or do they come out larger or smaller than the Raichles? Any advice is appreciated.

[Helmets or not ?]

I started wearing one two seasons ago, and, protection issue aside, I find it a lot more comfortable than a woollen hat:

- Doesn't get wet through and through on rough-weather days.

- Goggles don't fog up when parked on the helmet.

- Always warm, and in spring you just air your head on the chair.

BTW, here in Austria helmets have become A LOT more common on the slopes over the last three years or so. Small kids used to be practically the only people wearing one. Now I would estimate that at least 10% of adults wear one, with their number growing every season.

[F2 Firebird Asym]

I had one (or rather, I had the Fire, which was basically next year, same board, slightly different graphics). I learned to ride on it, and it was allright for that at the time. But I'd say it's too soft for an experienced rider (apart from the asym problem).

[OT: The superiority of engineers]

I am not an engineer, but my wife is. She keeps regaling me with stories from the office, and honestly, there's material for at least two TV shows in there (provided you don't have a problem with making fun of engineers).

[OT: The superiority of engineers]

A Pontiac Aztec (?) was pretty much the first thing I saw when I last visited the US. I hold that there are in fact NO people who drive one. The ones who do drive them are all cleverly masked aliens who have almost managed to blend in, but not quite - which is why they drive Aztecs.

[OT: Newly Found Beers For Carvers]

Chimay rules! But do it right: This is not a beer to spend an evening with, bottle after bottle. It wants to be savored, sip for sip. Ah, those Belgians are really on to something with their beer.

[No more improvements.. (long)]

Knowing Maciek's posts, he is probably absolutely right.

In addition to that, you might consider new bindings. I once had a pair of F2 bindings that looked very similar. They were rather soft, they got softer over time, and I bailed out once. Maybe you can get a Head Intec binding somewhere, they are all right. Or a Snowpro Race. Bomber and Catek would be choice, I guess, but expensive

[raichle sb 413 intec compatible?]

Are you sure your Burton binding is an Intec binding and not the Burton-specific Physics system?

If yes, your Raichles should fit in. If it's Physics, then I am afraid they won't fit.

[Ready to take the leap]

If you do get the Raichle 123's I suggest you upgrade them by replacing the velcro strap on the shell with a buckle. It was my first boot, and pretty soon I found it a bit unresponsive on toeside turns. The top buckle cured that.

[4th Strap or Booster Strap]

I too upgraded my 123s with the 4th buckle. I did it myself, and you can too, I guess. Just remove the original rivets (that hold the velcro strap) carefully, using a pair of pliers or similar. The rest is a piece of cake, as replacement buckles come with screws, not rivets.