PointBreak

Pat, You ARE the host extraordinaire! We all had a great time running gates, drinking beer and watching the video (in that order!). Thanks to for set’n us up. –Can’t wait to come back. -Mark

Michelle just sent me two shorter bail/clip assemblies so the TD3’s now fits my 26.5 (287) UPZ boots. The clips are the older TD2 style (shorter lever than the TD3’s). The lever can contact the first buckle on my boot so I have the set screw turned in all the way in to prevent metal on metal contact. This set up works but, it would be nicer if the lever could over-travel a bit further after clipping in.

One more UPZ/TD3 data point: My 08 UPZ 26.5 mp RTR's (with 287 mm soles) are too short for the TD3's set to the smallest settings. The bail spacing will need to be reduced to make things work. <O:pOthers have already outlined the likely modifications. <O:pI'm betting the bail blocks will need to be reversed and the base plate relief slots (that provide clearance for the rod ends) will need to be lengthened. I hope there is a more elegant solution that does not require machining plated parts and loosing the bale stops but I don’t see one at the moment. Even a smaller base plate may have interference issues with the chamfered slots for binding angle adjustment (see photos in post above). <O:pI don't know if TD3’s will fit 27 mp UPZ shells but there is a chance they will have the same issue. Proceed with caution! <O:pOn a brighter note: TD3s look as rugged and cool in person as they do on your screen. Hopefully Fin will help us solve the small boot fit problem when he returns.<O:p

A thread on the MA CT RI Ride board says the Ward training will be on Tuesday nights rather than Wednesday this year…

Got Em -Thanks STW!

Email sent

SBF -I did have some mild hot spots / foot aches in the Driver boots the first few times I used them. As time went on this went away. I suspect the boots just needed a few days to take the shape of my foot better. I am sure the outer did creep a bit because after a few days I needed to adjust (shorten) the length of my binding straps to keep the connection to firm. After the boots stopped “moving around” everything was fine. I never felt the need to add a custom insole but, I bet that would only improve the fit. You are right on with your comment about conditions. The Drivers did work very well for me in the soft snow conditions you probably enjoy far more of than us “Ice Coasters”. Frozen hard pack and Ice were a different story for me but, skill (or lack of it!) is clearly a big factor as well... <O:p

I can’t tell you if they are really the stiffest soft boot out there but, they are stiff and I found the 08s to be very comfortable, lightweight and extremely warm. The REI store told me they are the stiffest boot they offered in 08. The Vibram sole is really nice and the aggressive tired provides excellent traction, which can be handy if you need to do some hiking. I am not crazy about the speed lacing system and would prefer traditional laces but, it works fine and does save time. Funny… I’m heading in the opposite direction. I used my Drivers last year to cave (with some success in the right conditions) on a Palmer Honeycomb AM. I’m currently acquiring alpine gear and hope to ride hard boots exclusively (or close to it) this season. <O:p Good luck with your boot research. I think the Driver X is worth at least trying on.<O:p

Holy Hardware Batman! Nice job locating everything Tex.<ST1:p</ST1:p I’d like a set and I’m happy to share the cost. I’ll email you later.

Thanks!

Tex, Would you mind posting the details you got from Ben here? I just bought a new pair of UPZ RTR's and I'd like to add T-nuts as well.

Thanks to all of you for the great input. <O:p</O:p <O:p Trying both boots seems to be the best option, but based what I’m reading here, the 700T’s seems to be the favorite…hope I can make them work for me too. I did talk to Stephanie at the Starting Gate in VT. Unfortunately they did not get any Deeluxe boots this year but they do have AS700s in my size.<O:p</O:p <O:p Buell,<O:p</O:p The tongue photo is very helpful. If I end up in the 325T I’ll probably amputate the wings as you suggest to smooth out the forward flex. <O:p</O:p <O:p I already love this message board!<O:p</O:p

I’m new to Bomber and to carving. I’ve been (attempting) carving and Nastar racing in soft boots on a Palmer 162 Honeycomb this year and I’ve decided to invest in “real” equipment for next season. I’m considering a metal Coiler (RC ~170) but that’s another topic. <O:p></O:p> I’m looking for boots that are forgiving enough for learning but that also work for recreational racing. I am planning to get a BTS kit with yellow springs. I’m 6’ 175 lbs size 26 with average width feet. <O:p></O:p> The folks at Bomber told me that the 325T (marketed as firm) and the 700T (marketed as stiff) actually have about same overall stiffness but that they just flex “differently”. They also suggested that with the BTS kit shell flex was less important. I’m looking for a good reason to pick one boot over the other. One idea is to get both types, bring them to my boot fitter (Stan and Dan’s in N Conway NH)<ST1:p and let them decide will work best. <O:p></O:p> Any advise or opinions would be appreciated…