gaa

I rode my 324's for the past 4 years with no insoles and felt no problems as a result. I just bought a pair of Suzuka's and am going to try some over the counter footbetds this time, but if you've got no problem with your feet, you'll probably be all set.

I have a pair of 26.5 Head S-LTD with about 5 days on them. Only modification to the boot is a wider toe box. Email me offline if interested. gaarmstrong@netzero.net Greg

These boots are too small for me. These are the clear yellow Head boots from last year. I've got about 5 days total on the boots. 2 sets of heel and toe blocks, 2 sets of tongues. Toe box has been widened. $250.00 email for pictures - gaarmstrong@netzero.net Greg

I just got a pair about a month ago (the same boots). I wear a size 11 street shoe, and had size 10 Raichle 324's (size 28). Went to the Startingate in VT to get them resized and he managed to talk me into a new boot as the size 10 shells were too big. He squeezed me into a size 8 Head (size 26.5 I believe). Ground out the toe box and stretched the liners. I didn't have them heat molded, so can't give you advice there, but the stretching made a huge difference for me. The difference between cramped toes to that touching the front of the boot fit you speak of. I rode a week ago on them for the first time, but only a couple hours both days due to crowds. First day was a bit rough with a good bit of pain, but second day about the 3rd run, I think I got the liners to start packing out to my foot and really came into them. My toes do hit the front of the boot while walking, but when riding, it's probably the most precise fit I've ever had in a boot. I've still got a few tweaks to the boots and bindings to get everything lined up right, but I'm expecting great things once I get them broken in. Good luck with the new boots.

What's up with the new color choices? Looks like Cateks are getting pretty. I'm thinking blue to match my Donek!

I was able to make it to Tremblant a couple years ago, and over the course of a couple days riding, I was only able to find clear enough trail to carve ONCE. When you say "en-masse" you're not kidding. Every trail I rode was a river of people. If I didn't make straight fall line turns, I could probably have taken out half the people on the mountain.

I got my arm twisted into riding unlocked for the first time a couple weeks ago in the bumpy/cruddy snow (thanks cliff). That's the perfect way to do it if it works for you.

Two Burton Factory Primes for sale. Both are demo topsheet boards. Each board has about 10-15 days of riding. 2001 Burton FP 178 - $125.00 shipped - SOLD!!! 2001 Burton FP 173 - $125.00 shipped - SOLD!!! Email me if interested. Greg gaa@lavignemfg.com

Rusty, We were supposed to meet up somewhere on Mt. Ellen that day, but I bailed for the other mountain early. I think I may have had a conversation with you while I was flailing on the sticky snow and you were on the lift. Sorry we didn't meet up. I hope your rehab is quick and easy. Hope we can meet up sometime when you're back at it. Greg

Locked at 3 & 3 all the time. Last Friday when the temps dipped so much I felt like I was in stiff ski boots, I tried unlocking.....3 turns later I was back in the locked position. Just can't ride unlocked.

I am planning to be at Sugarbush Friday as well. I've got a gang of about 10 people of which I'm the only carver. We're planning to start on the Mt. Ellen side. I'll keep an eye out. Greg

I had the same problem with my 123's a few years back. No matter how tight I had the boot, it would pop up. The problem was that the buckle was clamping down at an angle, and not letting it snap by and hold (picture a vise grip not being able to clamp shut). I removed the buckle on the outside of the boot and needed to space it out from the boot. I just used a piece of rubber gasket material to do this. It was originally riveted on, and I had some extra parts from another boot so i could use the screw and t-nut from the ratchet side of the buckle. If you can find some spare parts this could work for you. Greg

I would also recommend avoiding Tremblant. I was there once, and only found room to carve during a portion of one run in a 3-day period. It's just hoardes of skiers beelining down the hill. I found it quite frustrating.