Miguel

I have an opportunity for free lodging at Stowe VT for the next few days...$25 lift tickets....about a six to seven hour drive. Is there enough snow to be worth it? Not looking for great carving...just want to try out the new Khyber. Killington's also an option over the weekend...any info appreciated. Miguel

I've recently been thinking about that very subject, especially since buying my new softboot gear. I come from a surfing background and those angles seem similar to what we naturally rode. I'd be guessing, but I'd say my natural surfing stance was somewhere in the area of 45 Front and 10 rear. The next time I'm on the soft gear I'm going to try angles around 35f and 10R just to see how it feels. I'm hoping there's some snow left in Northern VT next week so I can give it a try.

Woo hoo....it's a done deal! Just ordered the 160 Khyber "Howler"! Black background with a cute lil' Howler Dude squatting at the bottom! Should be here early next week. I am seriously stoked...never thought I'd say that about a soft boot board. Bring on the gnar! Thanks to all for the great advice. Miguel

I'm a size 11 US/29 mondo. After reading all the advice I think I'm leaning toward the Khyber. I like the 4 hole pattern and It has to be much better in the bumps and trees than the Incline or any of my carving boards. I must admit...the Fish does sound interesting. It seems to have a very loyal following. Now I have to decide between the 156 and the 160. Let's see...five business days from Whistler....I'm on spring break next week....there's still snow in Vermont....lots of soft snow......excuse me while I place my order!:D Miguel

Bordy...thanks for the review! I'm 180-185 lbs and 6'2" tall. I ride mostly in New York State so deep snow is a the exception. As I said my main concern is bumps and trees and slop. Do I dare go to a mid 150's length...and if so, which would be your first choice. BTW...I'n not anti Burton...especially with this type board. Miguel

Thanks for the replies. I have also been looking at the Fish. I'm a little leary of going to a 156...that seems soooo short! My Incline is a 164 and I was thinking of going with a 160 Khyber/Fish. Prior has "like new" demo Khybers for $400 Can. or $320 US. I just bought Salomon SPX7 bindings and F24 boots so all I need is a board. It's reassuring to hear the enthusiasm for these boards. Isn't the Burton hole pattern also an issue with anything but Burton bindings? Again...thanks for the input.

I am looking for a board specifically for riding bumps, trees and generally rough sloppy conditions in soft boots. Easy manueverability at slower speeds is a must. The Khyber looks like it would fit the bill. Opinions/suggestions?

Tom P...I clicked onto your web site and really enjoyed looking at your kayaking pictures. I'm also a kayaker and have boated a few of the same rivers. I've been to Colorado and Idaho a couple of times each. I LOVE the Numbers section of the Ark Although the Locsha and Payette in Idaho are hard to beat. My daughter I and did a six day kayak trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon...another memorable one. I've been jonesing for years to get down to Central and South America to catch some of those runs. Soon...very soon!

Am I missing something here? Isn't the 4807 strictly a powder board? He he...I live on the ice coast! Mogels here are usually of the translucent variety...even the tree runs can often be considered "hardpack."

Lonerider Funny you should mention the Phoenix. After doing way too much internet surfing I decided to check the company I know best (Donek) and low and behold what should catch my eye but the Phoenix. It sounded interesting but nothing takes the place of a first hand report. I too have an Incline which I like, but I also find it to be too stiff for bumps..tees etc. Not that it can't be done but I believe threre's a better tool for the job. I prefer to ride the Incline with plates. Can regular bindings be used with Burton boards or do they still have that ridiculous three hole pattern. I wouldn't mind picking up something used if possible. Thanks for the suggestions. Miguel

Chris I'm looking for the same type of board for riding bumps and trees. I just bought the Salomon F24 boots and the Spx7 bindings. Do you or anyone else have any further suggestions with regards to boards? I am totally devoid of knowledge when it comes to the softy settup. Vinn Q at Out of Bounds said I should look for a shorter softer board. It's been frustrating searching for one due to the sheer volume of boards out there. Suggestions new or used would be greatly appreciated.

For what it's worth, this past weekend I bought a soft boot setup from Vinn Q at Out of Bounds at Killington. He directed me to the Salomon bindings and boots. The bindings were the SPX7's and the boots were the F24's....Salomon's top of the line. I chose the F24's over the Malamutes because they are just about as stiff but a much lower profile and overall length. They are actually shorter overall than my hardboots. It's as if you are wearing one full size smaller than you actually are. I specifically asked Vinn about the Flows and he emphatically did not recommend them for a carver. He said they just were not as supportive as they should be. I really liked the F24's. My heel stayed down and there was no play. Of course I couldn't carve like like when riding the hardboots but it was OK. I seemed to have a harder time getting the board on edge during heelside turns. Cranking the high backs all the way forward seemed to help. They were mounted on my Incline. I bought this setup because I want to ride bumps, trees etc. My plan is to buy a shorter, lighter board. I'm still having doubts about buying a soft setup but what the hell...it was a killer end of season deal and Vinn's a hell of a salesman! I'm sure I'll get some enjoyment out of it. And besides...I'll finally look like a snowboarder when walking into the lodge bar!:D

It's my home hill. It's small...the runs are short compared to Vermont etc but it's a nice local place to get your fix. $229 for a season pass which includes night skiing. There is a small but grownig group of hardbooters. It has about three runs that are OK for carving. It's certainly nothing to write home about but I'm very grateful that it exists! I got about 60 day there last year...a lot less this year. I'd be glad to answer any specific questions. Curious....why in the world would you be inquiring about Greek Peak of all places?

Is there a significant difference in stiffness and support? It's amazing how small of a footprint the F24's have. They take up far less space than my Raichles and are extremely comfortable. I'm putting together a soft boot setup for riding bumps and off piste but still want the support for the occasional carve. I hit Killington, Sugarbush and Pico this weekend...a really nice way to end the season. I didn't realize how nice Pico is for carving....it's primo!

Looks like Killington got about 2" of fresh...should be outstanding carving conditions this weekend! I'm outa here in about ten minutes! Will keep an eye out for any and all anorexic looking boards! Woo hoo...I'm stoked! Miguel

Kmartshopper From one long legged skinny goon to another....I think I will give Pico a try. I'll look for you on that run.I've only been there once many years ago but remember it as being very boarder friendly and less crowded. Robert...I get Snowden and Rams head mixed up...just another senior moment. (: Thanks for the clarification. Miguel

Robert...I'll look for you. I'll be sporting a turquoise/black Mountain Hardwear Jacket with matching (natch!) pants and helmet.:D My quiver will include the following options: good condition=Donek FC, Fair conditions=Coiler AM W/red/yellow flames(natch), crummy conditions (or when running with skiers)=Donek Incline! I'll probably start at Ramshead and move from there. I understand the "Breakfast Club" (an informal group of carvers) meets there first thing in the morning. Thanks to all for their input, especially about not hopping around among the different areas. Remember...one good turn deserves another...and another...and another! Miguel

Kathy...thanks for the list. I found them all except the North Ridge (Glades) run. I did see Ridge run....is that the same. In what area would it be located. Super Star appears to be quite wide on the map...is that a good one?

I'm going to Killington tomorrow night for three days. I'm in need of a list of the prime carving runs. If it's not asking too much I'd like them broken down into easy...intermediate...and advanced. In other words, I wanna work my way up the food chain. I know Ram's Head is a good place to start but after that I'm pretty much at a loss. Any and all responses appreciated. Miguel PS Should I take one day at Pico? I've heard it's less crowded and good for carving.

All along this year I've strived to get to a higher level of riding, meaning feeling comfortable on steeper runs. I was never really able to bleed off enough speed and stay in control. Through sheer determination I started staying lower, angulating more, switching edges sooner yada yada yada...you know the rest. Anyway, I finally reached the point where I'm able to actually carve uphill before ripping that mofo around sweeter than I ever knew possible. But that's not the real story. Something happened that had never happened before. I was layng out a sweet toeside turn, gettin'nice and low when when "It", happened.....I actually booted out!!!! Now normally booting out is not such a good thing but on this particular day old Miguel (closer to 60 than 55) was proud as a peacock! And let it be known that this didn't happen on soft Aspen corduroy but on East Coast Granite! I must confess that my rear boot (the one that hit) does hang over a tad but not that much. :) Anyway, I'm not really bragging or anything, just sharing the joy and letting everyone know that this has been my most rewarding season ever. I'm heading up to K-Town this weekend to round out the season. Everyone have a great end of season run. Miguel

No prob...I'll catch it tonight at home. No porn filter there!:D

Funny! I just tried to view Neil's video of the Coiler AM but our school district's online porn/violence filter denied me access having it categorized as a "weapon"! Damn....I knew they were good but I never knew they were good enough to be called a weapon! What a compliment.

Mostly whitewater kayaking, a few flatwater canoe camping trips, a smidgeon of mountain biking and hopefully a trip to Spain. BTW...I'm a teacher which equals lots of time off!

Don't let Pat kid you....the man's a freakin' animal!! Pat...I was amazed at how much we had in common but I have one more question. Were you ever in Viet Nam? Miguel

I'm from the great state of New Yawk and of course I like powder....I mean who doesn't. True ice...I hate...but when it comes to carving I like it just soft enough to get a good bite and no softer. For instance on Saturday at Okemo we got some nice powder on Saturday so I broke out the wider board and just floated all day. The next day it was all groomed out but it still sucked for carving because it was just too soft. I've never rode out west except for Whistler and that felt about the same as here. I've always wondered what it was like in Colorado, Utah etc, does it firm up real well or does it remain on the soft side? I just feel more confident on hard snow. Is that just because I'm a Easterner?