nils

Yep same here at a smaller level! Sometimes things don't happen as expected and boards can come off press with either very slightly offset inserts, small aspect defaults on the top sheet, small bubbles on the base that need a fix then sand job etc, small delam problems that need a reglue in the press etc etc... Most of those boards end up as demo, some with the cosmetics end up "discounted"... we, and i think most manufacturers avoid selling the boards that will risk a break/delam.. Hopefully problems aren't that common: we have to use normal boards as demo sometimes :) Offset inserts are hard to deal with when u have discs like on the new TD2 or like on the emery course > holes are so precise that there is no room to play with so its better to use TD1 or bindings with long holes on the discs that you can turn 90° to accomodate the offset inserts. Nils

Don't forget Dimitrije Milovich who was there before Jake took a saw and started thinking of it... Also Dimitrije's shape is still almost the same to what the modern Swallowtail is, and it is still in production at Winterstick's...I guess he started in 1972, they had edges yes, before he removed them! N.

Ok post here the names of the mamas! (not into sportcars but champagne is ok i'm a heavy champagne drinker (used to live where it is produced)! We are going to rent a car from Denver where we arrive (the globemaster private jet will not be ready on those dates) and from then are ready for any accomodations within 45 mins of snowmass ( btw not so much info on SES page about where it is in aspen). So don't need to be downtown really! Nils

Well since no info is available on the SES page yet, I'd like to know what kind of lodging can be available in the area. We will be joining the aspen part of the SES only due to schedule difficulties, and would love to find a place to stay not too far from the slopes... We're arriving 3 days prior to the SES for freecarving the place and leave on the tuesday 24th...We're looking for condo like (three rooms with 2 beds in each for friends from tahoe are joining us), small hotel (youth hotel in aspen? ;) or free accomodation by rich widow ladies in their 80's with direct access to the slopes ( jacuzzi preferred) and grand-daughters in their twenties (modelling kind)> I can cook french meals as payment option in the last case. Thnx in advance! Heeeelp! Nils

well this explains that... perl scripting explains your needs for this host... Thnx for the pop ups removal :)... Nils

A good host today costs around 140 USD a year (in europe) and am sure you can find even cheaper there: maybe 14 canadians carvers could pay 10$ each to get a decent service ?... Pop ups are such nightmares.... N.

Funny the amount of extremecarving pictures I see on the main page showing people laying down (welcome area in the middle). Where can they be seen in bigger size???Nice to see it there too ;) Nils

Well tennis rackets aren't that elastic are they.... Carbon is a wonderful "bumpy"material when laminated but it has no vibration absorbing capability which makes boards that are using too much of it very hard to ride on icy snows..Then people mix it with kevlar that does have absorbing abilities etc.... Wood does all this alone when properly laminated with fiberglass for strengh, and its also cheap... Like Sean I believe that the keep it simple philosophy is the right way... marketers think every year needs its improvement, and its funny to see good models go wrong after a few seasons when they decide to improve something in it by adding marketed devices...Why brands cannot keep the good working boards/improved designs the same for many years is always fascinating...(self destruction its called no?). I have seen a Nitro rep in a huge shop the other day, with all boards of this season , explaining what the boards where etc... The demo models where laminated with clear topsheet and base so you could see the carbon /kevlar fibers here and there... The funniest part was what he was saying about the technologies, explaining the huge price differences because that board b. had one more carbon fiber than model a. and it made the board this and that...using marketed names on some boards he didn't even tried.. Shop owner said finally: I'll try them all and this is going to be the real explaination: please save us time ! Nils

Ok these explainations makes sense...Not really making me want to do a heli trip there thu ;)... Also heard the operators ask some of them groups not to use too much slope space (width) so next clients can be using the same mountain without any tracks (etc for next group too)...put four guys on two meter ST and you can say goodbye to untracked area :)...You usually make 1 turn when everyone makes 5 with regular boards...difference is the ST turns are in the 200m radius range ;).. Yes a ST requires a little bit of riding time, but not that much..But of course if the customers are used to twin tip freestyle boards they might need a few days... Nils

hey pokkis ;) can i try it too :D?? Nils

Well don't come in La Grave with your twin tip, you might get laughs too... More seriously, if you really think those are wastes, its because you never ridden one...No other board can beat the speed handle a good ST gives. No other board allows for a forward position as those boards give too> if you prefer to ride with the front leg stretched in order not to nose dive: its your choice :). Still wondering if your post was first degree or not... N.

yes its the 195!! on the swallows page (sorry galleries are down for the moment apache prob) see the "tales" where he talks about his style of riding...Most people say the nitro pows are too soft in flex, some like Dim likes this feature.. I haven't had the chance to try them so have no idea....Tested the flex and it is way softer to my swellpanik ST.. Cheers Nils

hey :) lacking time to answer :) give me a week! Dimitrije Milovich rides the 198 he loves it! Nils

You mean you can actually win slaloms with big airs now??? Wow! :) Nils

Was really worth the wait!! Your TD2 is simply amazing, the website is also really a clean work: congratulations on the work!! Now you might want to get some sleep!!! Nils :):):)