Bongerong

I ordered a contra 173x19x11.5M. Did a solid blue gloss topsheet. Bruce said he got waxed and ground to an 89degree side bevel. I’m 162lbs, 5’11, ride 60degree f/r, and enjoy long walks in the park. We’ll see how this works out. BTW Bruce is only making 60 boards a year now as he’s “partially retired”. He agreed to make me a board because my other board broke and wanted to help me. Pretty awesome gesture!

Quoted to me from Ivan at iCarve last week. Eur 960 which is around $1,100 without shipping. Not a horrible price. But also not one that I would openly disclose to my wife "21/22 KESSLER The Alpine ALF 168 BLK/WHT - 960.00 EUR (reg. price 1000.00 EUR) Kessler The Alpine ALF is titanal construction freecarve board, 20cm waist, avg. scr around 10.5m http://i-carve.com/kessler_the_alpine"

My new Coiler Contra should be arriving either Friday or next Monday. Thanks to Bruce for a quick turnaround!! I'll be adding a K168 next time around and hopefully before next season. This will be a monumental shift in the tides as I become a "2 board kinda guy". Either way very happy I'll get to ride out the season on my new Contra. @Prior, I have a WCRM 173 with you a crack and your name on it...

I'm looking for a pair of UPZ RC12s in mint/new condition size 26 mondo. Also, interested in trying a plate setup. Please let me know what you've got. Thanks!

Interested

Bruce does not do base graphics. My topsheet is set. Its a solid color I chose which Bruce tried to color correct in samples. I applaud his effort. BTW my Prior Metal WCMR 173 has “PRIOR” die cut into the base and around year 4 the “O” started to pull away on one side. No way to fix it and it’s the side facing the tail so doesn’t drag or catch… but it’s yet another reason I’m not buying another Prior alpine board.

China Peak is where I take my family. Tell no one of this secret mountain. Good snow, no lift lines (even on Saturday), family run and feel (none of that corporate BS you get at Tahoe or Mammoth), and they allow my dog at the base. Its honestly one of the best kept secrets in the sierras. Once my boys are older we'll venture back out to Mammoth and other mountains, but while they're young and still learning they can cut their edges on China Peak. Funny that you said you avoid weekends like the plague, I avoid Big Bear altogether for that reason. Its a bit closer but the mountain and people experience is horrible IMO.

I sent Bruce my color selection (just going with a custom solid blue). We'll see how it goes.

I wasn't looking for boots but these look nice, and the right size. And I live up the 405 from you. Let me think on it a bit. Do you/did you ever ride at China Peak/Sierra Summit near Fresno?

I saw that as an option. Just wasn't sure what to provide. Does anyone know of a library of long board images I might be able to browse and select from? I imagine there are image size and resolution (?) requirements to make it look good.

I have the 16 or 18 (can't recall exactly). It's roomy enough and you'd think it would be plenty...not for my family. Haha I think to myself, but won't say this to my wife, that I should have gotten the larger Skybox 21. Although I don't drive a Chevy Suburban to carry a large roof box such as that and would probably break my back taking it on and off the car at times. I tell my wife we need to bring less "stuff", I joke about "living off of the land" like we could just bring oatmeal and boil water. I'm obviously not willing to give up a good meal after a long day on the hill and I know this is not a topic I will ever win with her... So (smiling) I just pack the car and look forward to swervy lines on the mountain. P.S. We do need less stuff!

Ha, this conversation made my morning. Would that I could make room for another board on the SUV, alas the family "gear" takes up too much real estate. I have a large SUV, a Yakima Skybox, and a 2 board holder up top. The back storage belongs to the family dog (our mountain allows dogs at the base), the snow wagon for carrying all of the gear to our spot, and the cart load of groceries that my wife buys to feed an army. Up top is more of the same but I get space for my boots (loosely packed), tools and snow clothes. My trip to the mountain takes 5 hours driving on Thursday or Friday after work, we ride Fri, Sat and Sun, and then drive 5 hours back on Sunday (get back by 10pm). My wife, two young boys and our dog do this trip nearly every weekend Jan-Apr (or until the conditions drop). I have a routine and try to pack only what I really need in order to make it easier on me to load and transport. Besides, even if I managed to fit another board in somewhere, I wouldn't want to waste the time to come back to the base early (stand in longer lines) and switch. Its all about priorities and preferences. Keep the anecdotes and jokes flowing gents, I appreciate it! I am getting a board from Bruce as well. Have to say though that I'm not a big fan of any of the top sheet patterns. Donek has some really awesome artwork on the otherhand.

@pokkis we all have our priorities in life, don't we. The conditions I ride in, my style and preference doesn't vary too much throughout the season. While board variety might be nice, it's by no means necessary for me personally. Besides... I don't think I could deal with the internal turmoil of trying to decide which of the "kids" to take to the mountain

I started a conversation with Sean at Donek yesterday and we're exploring options. I've always admired Kessler boards but been deterred by the international shipping and lead times. I'll take a look at the new Coiler and Thirst boards as well, thanks for the referral. The Nirvana Energy looks pretty spot on actually. I'm only interested in new at this point but without the option to demo where I live and ride I need to base my choice on second-hand user and brand relayed information. Thanks All!

@Corey well... I mean within reason. Haha. My older Deeluxe 700T's are still in good shape and the TD3's are good as well (just had to replace the bails and lugs as one stripped out). If I found the perfect board for under $1K I'd be happy, but I'll go as high as $1,500 shipped if needed. BTW Moderator @Corey if possible could you move this to the Carving Central forum if warranted. Much appreciated!