BKStrout

Couldn't agree more with Aracan above. Really it depends on what you want to get out of your riding. Personally, I ride an all mountain board (Donek Incline 169) with F2 bindings and Deeluxe Track 325 boots. Those were very specific choices for me based on what I ride, how I do it, and an old ankle injury I deal with. I needed the boots to be a little stiff in lateral flex but medium fore-aft (to deal with the ankle injury), the bindings needed some give to make up for the lack of lateral flex in the boots, and the board itself needed to be able to handle moderate speed, yet still be nimble (so we stretched out the sidecut radius a little). People may debate my equipment choices, but for me the whole package works perfect. Find out what you really want to do with your riding, find out how each piece of equipment (boots, bindings, board) work to accomplish your goals and then customize a setup that suits you, specifically.

28 Years this December. Started on an '88 Burton Elite 150. Same drill: call ahead, meet with Ski School, get certified. Got a lot of practice in at the local golf course, though. Boards: Elite 150, Funky Derby 175, Kemper Freestyle 165, Burton Asym Air, Burton Alp (have gotten my money's worth out of that Asym Air, still riding it). Hard boots since 1995.

Thanks everyone, this is great feedback. I've spoken to Sean in the past when I was leaning toward the Axxess. He had some great feedback, but I didn't pull the trigger at the time. I'll follow up with him and look into the Coilers too.

Thanks Neil. I'm OK with trying out different angles. I forgot to mention that I also (occasionally) ride a 1995 Burton Alp 6.4 (Asym). That setup is F50/R60. I ride the Air neutral because I occasionally ride switch. Soft boots (even modern ones) are tough for me. I blew out my right (rear) ankle in '94 and crushed my lateral process. I like the side to side stiffness of a hard boot. I ride my boots a little soft in flex and get some side to side "movement/flex" through bindings that have a little play like the race plates.

Looking for advice on an all mountain board. It's time to update (well, way overdue actually). Been riding since 1986, hardboots since 1995 (busted up ankle made me switch, haven't looked back). Have had the same board since 1993 (a 1994 Burton Asym Air/ Burton Race Plates). Late 80s/ Early 90s rode 40+ days per year, less consistently throughout the mid 90s (15+/- day per year, mostly in New England some CO and CA), even less consistently since (more like years/ day). Board is still in good shape, but boots (1994 Nordica SBH) have all but disintegrated. Planned to do a full update this season (boots, board, bindings) and was looking for some advice on boards. Have been looking to update for some time and have been focused on Donek. Initially was looking into the Axxess, but more recently have been leaning toward a board like the Incline. Hard to demo where I am and certainly few hardbooters here in NC, so taking a bit of leap of faith on equipment choices. Stats: 6'0 205 Foot Angle (near neutral F:15, R:0) Mid-40s Riding Style: Hard to describe other than all mountain. Everything from carving groomers to trees, bumps, and powder when I can get it. Never really took a liking to the Alp (too short). My old setup (Boots and Bindings) was a little loose but I liked the flex. Sorry of the long post, just wanted to give background. Would love to hear opinions on the Incline, Donek, or other options I may not be thinking about.

Very interested, pics would be great. Feel free to email: BKStrout at yahoo dot com.