moose

Sorry I missed you - I called it at about 11. A surprising number of people today - holidays I suppose. Hope I can catch you one of these days though!

I'll be there tomorrow morning - let me know if anyone would like to get a few laps in! I will try any runs but am certainly happier off Center to Timberline (very intermediate carver here - started two seasons ago and only get about 10 days a season on the board because I spend most time on skis).

Such a bummer... Let me know if any of you find yourself at Breck, Keystone, or Abay - I'd love to bring a camera. I've been taking the camera out a few times on backcountry trips (when the snowpack was stable... haven't been out in 3 weeks now) and it's produced some cool shots, so I'd love to get some alpine ones. I even made a few into GIFs.

Sent you a PM!

Good thing! I was thinking about actually getting back out and trying to join you guys again this weekend, but then reading some of these experiences sounded a little dire! I guess I'll consider a bit longer... it is going to be MLK weekend so maybe I should reconsider. If I decide it's a go though I'll be stoked as ever!

@crackaddict - both of those suggestions may be just what I need. I hadn't been keeping up to date with the new Spark toe pieces... those might be perfect if I combined with a DIY approach like you talked about! One of my favorite solids - the Weston Japow - just came out in a split version. Might turn into an expensive year for me...

I don't carve on the split... at all. Width is more of a float thing for me! I know I said that previously but since I guess it was interpreted that I am still trying to carve on a split I felt the need to mention it again. I love to ride moguls and trees, and I typically stick to 30-15 or 36-21 forward angles (on the solid boards also). Every time I have tried a duck stance or a zero back foot, things just feel weird and I struggle more edge to edge and landing jumps. I am just a forward stance rider!

@b0ardski, Interesting info... I never thought about taking the toe pin off, but I find that I always have to double-click lock mine into walk mode or they fall off too easily. Still, an interesting idea. I'll be hoping to hear your report back on if you go custom and can offset the inserts!

What sort of angles are you planning on running? I will say that I personally see no problem with a 27.2 waist, and actually think I may go for something in that range for my next split. One of my reasons probably doesn't apply to you guys, which is that I weigh 210 and thus have no trouble going edge to edge on a wide board and it helps me float in backcountry conditions. HOWEVER, the other reason is angles. I will say that on a split, rocking forward angles (which I still do) does have its limits, and I have to ride shallower angles, which can mean a wider board helps if in crusty conditions (powder = who care's about boot out). Because of the inserts for uphill touring, I become limited in terms of being able to keep a fairly narrow stance (which I am used to... 20.75 - 21 inches). With that setup for me, I have to drop my angles to about 27-12 or so. I'd really prefer in the range of 36-21. If I ever did a custom split I'd ask if they could offset the uphill inserts to allow for more space for forward angles... In the photo you can see that I have to ride with my right riser up and my left toe piece up. Anybody else played with these more than me to find the right angles?

With all the early-season snow I haven't gotten out on the skinny board yet! Thinking I will do some early morning Keystone carving on Sunday morning, maybe Saturday also - come join me!

Yesss... I love checking out these Gifs you make! I'll be checking this thread often. With starting late this year and all the pow in the past two weeks I haven't gotten out on the hardboots yet ... but the Stubby that I bought after getting to ride yours just came in on Tuesday so I am getting STOKED. Hope we ride again soon!

I'll be there tomorrow (Sunday) also! I'm hardbootin' this time though! We flip-flopped!

I would imagine because most of it is closed and it's closing weekend. From their website: "As of Monday the 16th, terrain on Peaks 6, 7, 9 (except the Silverthorne trail and Lower Sawmill) and 10 will be closed for the season."

Official literature from Loveland is: "There is also a major upgrade scheduled for this summer. Lift 1 will be replaced by a detachable high-speed quad and will be ready to go for the start of the 2018/19 season." Sent in their Season Pass promotional email. I am finally planning on joining LCI this Sunday! Hoping for great groomer carving weather... but I guess I won't complain if it just keeps snowing! This weekend was fun - all softboot surfing for me though! Meet you guys in the upstairs before the lifts open on Sunday! If it's nice I think I may bring my real camera and capture some shots from the day at some point.

Oh, dude, I saw Knapton's video with you - freaking awesome! Great turns!

Sweet topsheet! Crazy narrow stance - is that your typical or specific for this one? I imagine the length alone makes it do well in bumps and trees, but I'll ask anyway - normal flex for your weight and it is soft enough to change direction quickly but stiff enough to carve well? I'm still thinking a Nomad may be my custom choice if I can get the flex right.

Loving the softboot pics! I will have to work on getting one. Got some tickets for $25 so I'm planning on getting out there on the 15th and 22nd ( I have to coach my climbing team this Sunday... ) - hope some of the crew is still there!

Hoping to make it out for a Sunday sometime! Narrowing in on the 15th as the next one I may try to make if I can get my hands on some cheaper tickets.

Amen to that! @slopestar, Carvin' Marvin was telling me I should get out on softboots with you! I'll PM you to see about it! @dhamann - is that the Nomad? Nose doesn't look pointy enough... but worth a guess!

Hot damn... somebody please buy this so I don't look at it every day for the next month.

Thanks Mario and Teach! Sorry I didn't see your reply for a bit, Mario! I found a pair, though. Hoping to come join you at LCI one of these Sundays! Used up my 4-pak this year on blacked out Saturdays!

Not sure how big you are or how hard you are on equipment, but I pulled the inserts out of a stock freeride board when I started experimenting with it last year. It took about 10 days of riding on it for it to go. Until I did that, everything was great on it (landings from jumps/drops included). If you are hard on equipment, I'd suggest a freeride board with hardboot inserts (Donek Incline would be a good one to check out). My experience with Donek freerides and hardboots has been fantastic, and I'd expect all other hardboot oriented companies to be similar. Otherwise, just ride your usual board and expect that the board may wear out a bit faster.

Wow, just got caught up on this Sol gossip. Reminds me of when my Father-in-Law (a very mediocre skier) sees people ripping moguls like they were Jonny Moseley and says "I just don't like that style of riding moguls, that's why I don't do it." I guess for my part, if it's smooth it's fun and I respect it. And damn Ryan is smooth. Stay smooth yentas.

I know a few folks who LOVE this model as their splitboard boots, if they were my size I would want them just for that! But it sounds like both of you ride them as a normal hardboot for carving, too - very cool. Could be a very versatile setup for someone who splits and carves...

Oh man I would be STOKED to ride together! This year I've been riding Keystone and A-Basin with an occasional Loveland day, you riding there at all?