fin

John, Actually, this forum has an "autosave" function. As you are writing you will see a small yellow "tag" appear in the bottom right corner of the text box you are entering into saying "Auto Saved". This is automatically saving your content as you write it. Now something happens and you lose it, just go back to that say thread, hit respond, and in the text box you will see a button at the bottom called "Restore Auto Saved Content". Hit that, text pops back on. As I understand it, it (the forum software) holds it indefinitely, even if you turn off the computer. I have tested it quite a bit, works great! Go back to this thread, hit respond, and maybe it is still there. But since you responded already, you might have lost it again.

Welcome Farstryker! Or rather welcome back :D I am VERY familiar with the terrain at the Beav for carving as it is one of my favorite places to carve. Yes, for your weight and height and where you ride, a 180's will work. the Beav has some amazing long and wide runs. I invite you to come over to our shop in Silverthorne and we can chat more on this and I can show you how far the scene has come since you have been gone. We also demo most everything we well so you have the option to try before you buy. Just call or e-mail a head of time and make sure we are in as sometime we have demos or are in Denver doing pick-ups.

I am in the same boat as Sean's statement, I always thought this would be a great exercise to make you more skilled on a alpine board. But I just don't have the guts (or 20 year old's body) to deal with the consequences :rolleyes: And if anyone has every had the pleasure to watch either Bordy or Casper Carver do this, it is a site to see. Extreme talent. So if a snowboarder from day one was ambidextrous with their hands, set their board up "duck" (say +5 and -5 degrees) and could go down the hill equally as well either way, how are they riding now? :rolleyes: And if your knees bent the other way, what does a chair look like :D

pdolar, yea, that is NOT a good spot for movement. Hard to see but maybe the Lug was turned out so far as to allow this? hard to say why this is happening. But please drop me a line via e-mail (in my signature) and we'll get you the replacement parts you need to get going.

I have always wanted to start a thread to show those who have made the jump over to hard boots. I think we can all relate as at some point we made that jump. So if you have a story, bio, pictures, etc. of someone who converted over, post here! I'll get this started: This is a picture of Dave A. from both Florida and Minnesota. He has been a softbooter for years and primarily rides off trail and does a lot of heli-boarding. He really likes step-in but they are now impossible to find for softboots. I had a long conversation with him and asked about his style of riding and terrain. Bottom line he was curios about hardboots. After a few conversations and e-mails we created a package for him that should work great. So in the picture below you see Dave picking up his set-up yesterday: - Donek Custom Nomad 159 - Deeluxe Track 225 boots w/Fin-Tecs - TD3 SI with yellow E-rings Just waiting to get the ride report.

pdolar, Still not 100% sure what you are referring to as part as "loose parts"? Can you describe exactly what part is moving and in what direction?

pdolar, The picture did not come through so can you try posting again? Once i see this i can comment and help you out.

There is usually water at all the bases as well. Sometimes we'll bring out bottled water to the tent as well. No official "first timer thread" but just start a new one here and ask away on any questions you have. And you can always contact us directly and we'll help you out. And look forward to meeting you Surf Quebec!

Well put Lowrider! And I guess my point as well I just did not state it as directly as yourself. The single event of just using a plate has so many large and amazing advantages that narrow discussions on small specific aspects of the hardware (such as my discussion above) have little impact on the large scale or performance returns by just using a plate. And this includes all style and types of plates. But as you put it Lowrider a very personal aspect that determines if a plate works for you is its ability to "pedal", giving you control at lower speeds. And it is still my opinion that the primary contributor to this function is found in the plate itself. My tests have shown HUGE differences in how much the plate itself can manipulate pedaled by changing the shape, size, core, etc. of the plate. I found very little return in manipulating pedal by changing the brackets and other associated hardware. As you said, the "cross over" to making a plate work for you is finding the correct one that gives the best balance of pedaling while still acting as an isolator. That is a primary reason we now offer three models of the Boiler Plate.

Yes, I have not made my argument clear. I am not talking about play or the mechanical "slop" of the system. I am focusing on a certain aspect of what is being discussed: the difference between a two piece and one piece mounting system. The ability to pedal (twist) a board and plate combination does not come from the use of a two piece mounting system. It comes from many other aspects of the plate itself which is the connector between the feet and dictates this feel. If I took our original 5mm BP that is very firm in flex (longitudinally and torsional) and all I changed was the mounts and made them two piece, would that plate now twist significantly more? I don't think it would. The answer to more torsional flex (pedaling) is the plate itself. Our new 4mm Lite plate (now available) uses the same exact lower mounts that are one piece (UPM). This plate uses a much thinner and narrower core profile and has quite a bit of material removed from the waist. The result, a plate system with tremendous torsional flex that you can pedal at low speed. This performance has nothing to do with the mounts being one or two piece. It never has.

I am going to jump in here as I believe there is currently a large amount of miss information on plates. My eventual goal is to try and create an article on all the different plates available and how they mechanically function. It is hard to visualize some of these mechanical actions we are seeing in all these new devices. It used to be so easy and simple, a snowboard! But for now I want to address one small aspect of plate design before it gets out of hand: The statement: “2 piece mounting allows for torsional and lateral flex and a 1 piece mount does not” is incorrect. To start to understand this, below is a picture to help see the difference for conversation sake. It generically shows the difference between these two mounting methods. What needs to be realized is there is NEGLIGIBLE flex across (laterally) a snowboard. Now add essentially another snowboard, a plate, across this same distance, add aluminum or steel hardware, and you have an incredibly strong torsion box that does not want to flex or move in the across (lateral) direction. We have not even gone to the fact you add a binding and a stiff soled boot right over this same plane. The ability to “bend” all these items in that direction is monumental. This incredible rigidity (only in this plane) comes from the fact you have created a very affective torsion box. In order for that box to collapse and bend, the corners of that box have to collapse. And in this configuration, they will not. In the picture below I show an end view of our current UPM (1 piece mount). In Picture A you see the current version where the mounting brackets spans across the entire width of the board along with the axel. In Picture B you see where I took PhotoShop and removed the center section to represent a “2 piece” type mounting. Regardless of which one you select, you still have that incredible strong torsion box and a tremendous amount of material over a relatively short distance resisting bending in that plane. So how do we allow those planes to rotate? Easy, you change the center section (area between your feet) of the plate itself. This allows the two planes under your feet to twist in either direction. The effect of changing the profile of the plate between your feet DRAMATICALLY changes this as opposed to any affect you might get from the difference of a 2 piece to a 1 piece mount. I show these areas in the last picture. And when we talk “lateral compliancy” this is achieved from a torsional movement. So in my opinion, you can say lateral flex, but what we really mean is torsional flex as that gives us the effect of lateral flex UNDER the feet. Once again, I am not arguing which method is best or superior, but I am clarifying that these difference in the two methods of mounting a plate have no effect of the ability of a rider to twist and pedal a snowboard. Those desirable traits are achieved with the construction, design, and implementation of the plate itself. Don’t make me go all “Myth Busters” and make a test jig to show all this! Busted :D

S.S.Dad, Yes, there should be this going on again this coming season. The guy to talk to is Thedo Remmlink with the Steamboat Snowboard Team. Contact him through their website: http://www.sswsc.org/snowboard.html Great guy and a great program. They have just what you need. Fin

bigemike13, The length of the PP is 9". We came up with that length after looking at many softboot bindings and their average length. I would say if you have around 1" or less of over-hang with our PP you would be fine. More than that, it might start depending on how that softboot binding is made. But so far we have not seen a binding have over 1" over-hang.

dreamed of going to the 2013 SES? Go here for the latest and greatest... 2013 SES Forum

Just a reminder of last years SES (2012) and how much fun we had. Makes me all weepy when I see these..... 2012 Photo Gallery And the famous Rocket Man going down Copper Bowl at Aspen: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/z3ZhdNCVgR8?list=PL4628FD8268A4F3CA&hl=en_US" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> And collection of SES videos from our buddy johnasmo: SES 2012: SES 2011: SES 2010: SES 2009:

I’m going to share with you the results of the survey that we had at the banquet. We do read these and we use them to make the event better every year! I’ll comment too on the things that need a little explanation, or a response. We are grateful for all the answers, as it helps to know if we are on the right track or not. If you filled out a survery, MANY THANKS!!!! 1. What are your general thoughts on the 2012 SES? Another Great Year Wouldn’t miss it It’s been a great week As a 1st timer, I thought it was awesome! Had a great time, you guys rock! Fabulous Great – look forward to it every year It was fantastic, I have not been since 2006 and had a great time then. Can’t go wrong with the sliding Mecca Aspen I think that it is so awesome Great! Unreal event Keep it going It’s great to be exposed to all the talent and everyone is generally very open and friendly. Nice! My first time and I had a great time Great Fun Good times WOOHOO I had a great time and learned heaps! Great time, great carving, great people Great venue, staff, equipment selection Overall, excellent event! First time, amazing, good to ride with so many styles, and learn from people all week Really enjoyed learning to alpine board, seeing new people and experiencing Aspen. 2. If you could change one thing (or more) about SES, what would it be? · Faster Demo set up (we’ll work on that) · t-shirts (some people like them, some don’t so it’s a hard call for us) · 51 weeks longer! (YES!) · Water @ tent (we’ll try to remember this) · Quiet mood music at the banquet (hmmm that could be arranged). · Have non alcoholic beverages at all parties (we did!) · Weather modification system (that can be Fin’s next project) · Race clinic (we’ve had them in the past, and not had them. Seems we’re always off a year) · Attract more families/young folks (Agreed! Any suggestions?) · More clinic time for beginner and intermediate carvers (we do our best to make the most use of our volunteer’s time in giving the clinics without a full day of "lessons". They're in it to have fun too!) · More food at the parties (then we’d have to charge more, and people seem to not want to pay it. Ideas?) · First Tracks Every day! (then it wouldn’t be special. Can’t see Rocket Man EVERY day J) · Do a second day at highlands (comments on this?) · More demos for females (we’ve had this come up before. Manufacturers????) · Women’s social happy hour (we’ve done this in the past, and no one shows up so we canned it) · More clinics (suggestions?) · More Cowbell! (AGREED!) 3. If you participated in a clinic, what is your feedback? Pure Carve Clinic – I have Homework Kenny’s clinic – I have homework but it was all good Too many in the steep clinic (this was a surprise to us as well!) Did the Steeps with Richard. Very informative, great riders were present, very inspiring. Women’s clinic with Richard AWESOME! MORE!! Videos would be helpful (yes, but it’s difficult to get a volunteer to video this and a place to provide feedback) Allow more time > 1 hour Steeps clinic – best clinic yet Euro carve and carve the steeps – both were enjoyable 4. How do you feel about the timing of the event (length and time of year)? We got lots of positive response: good, perfect, works for me, etc. One person seemed to think race teams were monopolizing Ruthies, but we can’t make everything perfect. We also got an “I’m tired” ,“wish it were longer”, and “7 days straight = pooped”. 5. How can we make it better, more fun, exciting (ex: more or less social events, clinics, organized events)? A lot of comments about more clinics (I need suggestions!) More non alcoholic events (sorry, but this one won’t go over well with the masses) More social events (WOW we had something almost every night!) Maybe another Bomber house party during the week (Uh…no. One is enough) More Smoke! LOL We also got a lot of “it’s perfect” and “keep doing it” 6. Were you involved in the mentor program? Please give us feedback if you were. Someone said “to me, everyone is a mentor”. Nice! “Angie made me feel very welcome” Awwww.. Nice job Angie! Generally most people feel it’s a good thing, even if they didn’t participate 7. Do you like the idea of a “themed” house party, or would you rather it just be a regular party? Theme – 11 Regular – 13 Either way - 3 If you have any suggestions on how we can make this event better, please feel free to let me know! We welcome all suggestions, good and bad. The mentor program started because someone took the time to write to me after the event expressing in a very nice way his disappointment that no one took the time to show him around. It turned into something very positive! Feel free to comment on anything here – constructive criticism is welcomed!

We want to here from you! This is your event so let us here what you liked, disliked, what to see changed, or any other feedback to help us make the event better. The thread under this is a summation of the survey we took at the end of the week party last year. Use this to help you get started. One thing I personally want to hear about is the schedule for what day at what mountain. last year the set-up at Tiehack was amazing. Want to see more of that, less, or ? Fire away!

It is that time to get ready for the bad-ass 2013 Summit Expression Session (SES) on Feb 9th-15th, 2013. This is the largest collection of carvers for North America and it takes place at the premier carving resort, Aspen, Colorado. We spend 6 days (there is one off day) tearing the hell out of the four resorts at Aspen with evening activities to keep you on your toes. This event is for all ages and abilities. This is not a competition or race, true to the term "session", just show up and ride. There will be some FREE clinics through out the week. This is the 13th year for the event and it just gets bigger. Keep in mind the event is free to all, just show up and ride. However, we do have some excellent group rate multi-day tickets as well as packages for those who just want to make it easy. Go here: 2013 SES Website To get more information and purchase passes and packages. Don't forget there is our huge end of the week party where we give away WAY too much gear from our sponsors. You gotta be there for that. Want to see how last years SES went? Full picture gallery here 2012 SES Picture Gallery. Make sure to "subscribe" to this thread as we will post updates and changes as we get closer. If you have a question on the event, ask here in this thread as there are probably others with the same question. You are also more than welcome to e-mail us directly at bomber@bomberonline.com. Either myself or Michelle will help you out. There is also a thread HERE just for seeing if someone needs a ride or you can give a ride to the event as well as share housing if needed. Make plans NOW! No more waiting, no more excuses. You have wanted to come to this for years and you know it. So get the time off, book the flight, and we'll see you in February in Aspen!

This was my first snowboard back in 86'. Bought it at the local skate shop in Chico, CA where I was going to college. They also had the Burton "BackCountry" but at the time I thought it looked too "corporate" and I wanted a west coast, surf influenced board. Photo taken in the front area of our shop. Had the opportunity to meet Tom Sims WAY back when Bomber first started. He was still running hardboots at the time and we set him up with some bindings. Super nice guy and seemed to have a story for everyone in the industry. It killed me to watch the Sims name get bought and resold over and over again. It deserved better in my opinion and I always wondered if Tom felt the same way. RIP Mr. Sims, you made a difference with me and many others. Thank you.

It is with great regret, but we have decided to cancel the SES for this year. Reason? Please read above.... :p OH yea, Shred at the SES. It is going to be gooooooood. (More info coming soon)

Jeff, Sweet ride! Brings back some good memories. We used to ride our BMX bikes from town to town, stopping only at every 7-11 to fuel up on sugar. Dude, you so need some "Tuff Wheels" and Oakley grips. Just make sure you get home in time to watch Night Rider.

Let's try again from here (earlier posts deleted). If you have anger issues or unchecked narcissistic rage, this is not the place to vent it. Fantastic website Beckmann. You are the type of guy who actually does it. So many people talk about doing it, but they don't follow through, and then become a cynic because that is all they have at that point. But from your list of project, tooling, and shop, you get it done. Hats off to you. I might not agree 100% with your philosophies on carving, but I do appreciate the way you make us all think and envision.

Nice. No Steve McQueen "Bullet" but pretty good :rolleyes: Actually just got back from San Francisco and thought how those streets are made for this type of driving. And can any guy here honestly say they have not NOT pushed a shopping cart sideways at one pint in their life?

Thanks everyone for the supporting words and stories. By all means, post pics of your friends who have moved on here. Jack: love that quote, so true. Of course when this happens you talk to people who have had it also happen to them and it got me to thinking why can we feel so sad (at least I do) when we hear of a dog pass away but possibly not as sad when we hear of a human (one you don't know) pass away? Case in point: in the original Jaws movie all those people got chomped on, but all I can remember was being so sad when that lab gets eaten while swimming. I believe I know why. People by definition are a-holes. All of use, you, me, the other guy. We have the ability to do things to one another that are bad and have bad intents. I have had people I consider friends steal from me, lie to me, and generally do nasty things a friend should not do. A dog is never an a-hole or jerk. Every heard a dog called these? Yes, they might do something bad (pee in the house, eat a shoe, etc) but their "intent" is never evil. So when they pass, it is something that truly deserved to live. Of course the exception to this rule is children as they fall under the rule of having good intents and are considered an innocent. At what age that changes, not sure.

Zsa Zsa IS Batman! At the Superhero Party we had for the racers a few years back.