Miguel

I'm blind in one eye so my depth perception is really bad. I also ride at night often and find the light conditions to be better under the lights than on a non-sunny, flat day. The artificial lights cast shadows which make it easier to see dips, bumps etc. It's also usually less windy at night and lines are nonexistent. I also find a certain peacefullness at night that I don't necessarily feel during the day.

Hi...my name's Miguel and I'm a Carvaholic. I'm feeling like I'm at an Alchoholics Anonymous meeting! Actually...I admit to trying teli skiing last year....but only once...and I'm feeling darned guilty about it.:( Glad that's off my chest!

I know of a few people that would buy one. It's way overdue.

I used to run higher angles but I have been much happier lately running lower angles with a wider stance. Setup differs with width of my boards. 1) 19.5 waist - angles of 55/50 2) 21.5 waist - 45/40 3) 23 waist - 35/30 21" stance width with 34/35 inseam, centered, size 11 boots 3 degree cants front/back I have a bit of overhang on the rear boot on all the setups but so far have not booted out. I believe the boots being elevated so high off the board with Bombers allows for some boot overhang. Miguel

Hey...where'd you get my board! I agree, it is a beauty, and might I add sir, you have superb taste! BTW...I am VERY satisfied the way mine rides.

What's wax wizard?

Scott You're right on about the similarities between whitewater slalom racing and carving...especially the whole body angulation thing. Even though I do paddle a shorter kayak (far from five feet) and began with a 13 footer, I'm a river runner at heart. Nothing is more satisfying then a super smooth and efficient eddy turn/peel out or just busting a really clean move. It's the same feeling I get from carving on the snow, only it's better and more continuous on the snow. I come from a background of surfing and skydiving. When I surfed I always like the soulful rides that only come with a long board. Skydiving...well...thats another story! Suffice to say, all of those sports have one thing in common...fluidity of movement...grace and style. Every turn on the snow is like a bottom turn in the surf. It doesn't get much better than that! Miguel

Scott...welcome to the wonderful world of carving from a fellow boater. We'll even forgive you for being a C-1er...yeh...I'm a kayaker. C1ing is definitely fringe and hardboot carving may even be "fringer"! (if that's not a word...it is now!) You'll fit right in to this crowd for sure....same type of great people...just some different jargon to learn. Get a few miles under your belt and make an effort to attend the developing Expression Session at Okemo, VT. Speaking of sessions...are you an attendee of Cheatfest? For you non whitewater boaters that's an annual boater feel-good event similar to our Expression Sessions, held in May at the Cheat River Canyon in the great state of West Virginia. (boater's version of Mecca) A handshake in thought, Miguel

I believe the stepins are actually safer for the following reasons. I can see a plastic boot having the capacity to flex/distort enough to release from a standard bail. (it's happened to me) I don't see that happening with the stepin mechanism. In fact, if the toe did release from a front bail on the stepins, I believe your heel would remain attached therby preventing a catastophic accident. It may even be possible to be "temporarily" held in with only one pin. I know I have made several turns with only one pin engaged with out releasing. That was pilot error for not checking for full engagement before taking off...but it did not release. (very disconcerting!) I almost look at the stepin pins as wearing a reserve parachute when skydiving. On two of my three boards I have TD Standards on the front and stepins on the rear. I've never (knock on wood) released prematurely from either. I will not ride with any other bindings with the possible exception of Cateks of course.

Outstanding...count me and a couple of friends in regardlsess of location. I've never been to Mt Snow but Okemo is great for carving.

My overpriced Marmots are being sent back after one year. I agree with Kent...price certainly does not necessarily dictate quality. I'd get a pair of leather mittens but I find it difficult to grasp the handle on the intec stepins.

I have a Donek Freecarve II, a Coiler AM and a Donek Inline. I find my that favorites change from time to time and conditions certainly influence my choice, but recently I've been spending most of my time on the Coiler AM with the 21.5 waist. I'm actually a little surprised at this myself. I practically lived on the Freecarve in the past. I pretty much save the Freecarve for primo conditions and use the Coiler for everything else...which is to say...most of the time.

We're considering going to Whistler for a week this Spring but can't leave until April 15th. Drawing upon your vast storehouse of knowledge...ie: using the SWAG method(Scientific Wild Assed Guess), would anyone care to predict what type of snow conditions we might encounter? I once went on April 7th and got a 10 inch dump the second day. We pretty much had to stay on the top half of the mountain, which was still plenty. Is it traditionally worth going to Whistler that late? (Please say yes!)

Which sock did you order? They were "smart wool" medium weight snowboard socks from Sierra Trading post. Just do a search for "smart wool" and they'll come up with a few other items. BTW...I bought my wife a smart wool medium weight turtleneck and she's been raving about it. I treated myself to a smart wool neck gator and I also love that. Am I starting to sound like a smart wool commercial? I'm gonna stop now! Really though...it actually is good stuff.

After reading the previous thread on socks and having found a killer deal on smart wools at Sierra Trading post I took the plunge and ordered four pairs. Upon arrival I was a little dissapointed at how thin they were. (Medium thickness as per their ad) Although many people have told me thinner socks are the way to go, I've always been a thick socks kind of guy. Boy ws I wrong! Those socks are awesome. Not only did they allow me some more wiggle room but my feet were toasty yesterday after four hours of straight riding in 10-12 degree temps. Also, not even a hint of itching and they feel super comfy against your skin. They usually sell in the $17- $18 range but Sierra Trading Post has them in all sizes for $9 and some change. Highly recommended By Senor Miguel! OK...you can clap now! :)

Thanks for the input! It came down to the Dakine Poacher or the North Face Chugach 35. (where the hell do they get those names!) I chose the North Face for no particular reason than I found a good deal on it....marked down from $118 to $83. Hope everything fits!

I took a trip down to my local ski shop this evening and checked out the packs. They had a nice 1500 ci pack that was too small for my needs and a 2700 ci that was probably bigger than needed but doable. I figure something in the 2000-2400 ci range would be perfect for boots, helmet, some clothes and food. Thanks for all the input. BTW...I thought the North Face packs were very nice.

Broken cable and lost pin. I just bought an entire new set and plan to do so every few years in the future. I figure for fifty bucks I sleep and ride better!

Fleaman....I thought I was the only one who had experienced that misfortune! Back in the day I bought a board from a kid who failed to inform me that he had replaced all of the burton screws with alluminum screws from the local hardware store. (you'd think I woulda noticed) Long story short...I cranked a couple of turns and found myself airborne sans board! I wish I had a photo of my face when I discovered both bindings were still attatched to my boots! Each and every screw had sheered off. Very disconcerting to say the least even thogh I walked away unscathed. P.S. Two of my three boards have a combination of bails in front and step-ins in the rear. Should I be getting nervous?:(

I've come out of conventional bindings before, once both feet at the same time. (Burton's) I've never come out of Bomber Step-ins once properly engaged. Always listen for that satisfying "ping" sound when engaging the pins. If you don't hear it, give it a second check. There have been times when ice build-up on the heel has prevented proper allignment of the pins leading me to believe I was in when I wasn't. Also, I've never tested the theory but I've always thought that if the toe ever came free the pins would probably still hold me in at least until I came to a stop. Anyone ever experience that situation?

I'm looking to buy a backpack that will carry boots, helmet, a few basic clothes and with the ability to strap on the board. I'm at a loss as to what size. I don't intend to use it for backcountry(not yet anyway) ....just for carrying all my stuff to the lodge from the back parking lot. :) Anyone have any suggestions as to size, either in dimensions or cubic inches? Brands? Anyone want to sell one?

Aren't you folks supposed to be working right now! Like me!:D

It's a genuine pain in the you know what! You need something pointy enough to push in the pins and fit within the holes on the receiver. The allen wrench used to adjust your Bombers works very well but you really should have two...one for each pin. Fortunately I was at the bottom of the hill when mine broke which is normally where it would break anyway. I had easy access to tools. It may be possible to release it by pushing in only one pin but I haven't actually tried it that way. Unless you have some buddies around it would involve taking your foot out of the boot which is part of the overall pain in the you know what! In fact, it's really a two person job...one to push in the pins and one to pull up the boot. having said all that...I really love my stepins. Always have full downward pressure on your foot when releasing them and always be gentle!

Uh....I suppose that would qualify for "some nice grooming"! You're very persuasive! Thanks.:)

I've been asked to go with a group from upstate NY but I've never been there. Don't particularly need steeps but would like some nice grooming of course. Is it worth it?