drzrm

Thanks John, I get up to Sunappee a lot, though I'm teaching T & Th this spring semester, so I'll be much more likely to show up on a MW or F. I'll also run out to Wachusett Mt. from time to time. Boarderboy, I almost picked up a Alp 171, it was a last minute decision to get the Donek. I figured once I got the hang of it it would be a better board, but maybe I should get that too if the price is right (or can get a bit righter), for learning and for crap conditions.

Well, thanks to everyone I've talked to here, and off site. I've had some great advice as to board stiffness, learning curve, suitable gear, etc. I seem to be set up for my first season of carving with gear which is probably over my head, but it means I won't have to start upgrading as soon as I learn to carve. Found some NOS Burton Funaces in my size, Rossi plate bindings (for now), and a Donek FC 1 179. This is definately the right time of year to pick up gear, huh? Thanks everyone. I know I'll be forced into a steep learning curve but I can't wait for snow. I'll be sure to find someplace to take a lesson (I really can carve OK already in my soft boots). Now just praying for snow.

Do you mean there are more 30s than 30.5s around, or that I should look to buy a bit small and let them break in? I got sized at a 30.5, but I assume I can go up or down a half size if I need to.

6'3" 220ish looking to get into carving. Been working on carving in Shimano Skylords (sort of a hardish boot with adjustable lean) with K2 Clickers for years, and after a few very fast days with some hardbooters last season, I figure it's time to step up. Email me with what you've got. Before I get a board I'll probably mount them to a Burton Baron ES 172 I have (all mountain/free style), so both 3 and 4 hole plates (or the easy availability of 3 hole plates) would be a plus. Thanks, Zach

Thanks Jack, Ironically, I was just in the middle of reading those links thinking "I should have read these before I posted" when you responded.:rolleyes: Sorry. Anyway, I guess I'll start with boots and bindings and go from there. Please see my forthcoming WTB for 30.5-31 hardboots. :D Zach

Thanks for the replies. I'm a pretty aggressive rider with hundreds of days of riding all over the country. I'm comfortable in the trees and on the bumps, so I think I'll be able to make the transition into real carving (of course we'll have to wait and see :D). I spent most of last season on a Burton Baron ES 172 (wide all mountain/freeride), and spent a few days riding with hardbooters last season (that's really what got me interested). How much difficulty am I going to have getting my giant feet (30.5) on a carving board? And how much board sounds right for my 220 pounds (I've been thinking over 175 but I'm not sure where to start). I think I missed a great chance on Art's Donek Axis 177 the other day. Seems like it would have been a good set-up, but it's already sold. Thanks again, Zach

Hey guys, I'm new to the Bomberonline.com. Been snowboarding for around 23 years now. I've been interested in Alpine for ages but never done it. I'm too old and fragile for pipes and parks, and I love carving (as well as one can without hard boots). Anyway, I'm 6'3" and around 220 and it's hard to get much information pertinant to boards and bindings for my size. I'd love to demo or rent to figure out what gear will best suit me, but I know there not much out there. I ride a long freeride board most of the time (172) unless I'm screwing around in bumps, and most days I still ride (I know I'm going to get a lot of s**t for this) Shimano Sky Lord boots with K2 Clicker bindings, b/c they have a hard shell, and they are stiff enough to carve in. Anyway, I know I'm not looking for a pure race board, I'm not looking to crash gates. I've got my eye out here and on ebay for a mondo 30.5 boot, and I assume I want one one the flexier end of hard boots. Anyone have advice on what makes sense. Can I transition in with a freeride board with alpine boots and bindings or should I change all at once? How long a board makes sense for me? Thanks for your help. Zach