chaoticbiker

I’m quite fond of Okemo, but I’m biased since I live at the bottom of the hill and work there. It’s great for carving if you come midweek (Friday doesn’t count anymore); you will usually get a run to yourself and not wait in a lift line. It lacks in long, sustained steeps; but has a huge variety of easy and intermediate terrain. Jackson Gore Inn’s lobby has a good fireplace lounge and bar. Town is lacking nightlife, but there are a handful of Really good restaurants.

Wiping out on my soft boot setup from overhang is what catalyzed my dive into alpine gear. Even so, the last time out on alpine gear, I had my rear binding pivot to the point the binding was overhanging. Barely noticeable on the soft almost slush, until riding over glare ice onto my face...

I was thinking the FC would be more versatile, it will take time to figure out the quick side cut (7.5-9.5 on the 163). And the Proteus rode like I imagined hard booting to be before I tried it (amazing). It may just be a coin toss, or whatever’s left after I hem and haw about trivial details. Sounds like the Rev is something to stay away from till I’m consistently dialed in. Thanks for the input! I’m guessing it was a custom, the spec for on it was 11-0, 20cm waist.

I had the opportunity to ride a Proteus 170 and a Metal FC 163 today, trying to find a board of my own (@pmoore has kindly lent me a Burton wire in the meantime). I was wondering if anyone who has rode these has some additional insight. Disclaimer: I’m just about two month on hardboots after years soft, so my technique is.... lacking.... On the FC: very quick to turn with weight forward, somewhat mellower when centered and back. Larger ripples or bumps in the run could induce quite a sudden swerve if hit while on edge (front flips included). Breaks loose from a carve easily, and goes back in just as easily. Proteus: locked in when I had technique dialed, lots of pop at edge changes when loaded (very close calls with trees on narrower trail). Very difficult to break loose to slow down or dodge traffic. I’m definitely leaning towards the Proteus, but I’m a little concerned with how locked in it is for the busier times. I also might try a Rev 175 with the same 11m scr as the Proteus, so any feedback there would be appreciated.

These are sold.

Just got to my doorstep today, can’t wait to get them on the hill at the end of the week. Thanks Phil! I wish I saw your Proteus before someone else snagged it.

Thanks for the great info. Now if someone wants to switch from long to short, we can make a deal!

I don’t know if they’ll still be around come late February (tax return time), but if they are, I’m interested. Do you happen to know if a Deeluxe Track 700 mp28 fits the short plate?

I’m curious as to what other riders feel is their comfortable speed. Thanks to GPS tracking I found I cruise around 30 mph and speed check by 40. If only I had that when I was a straight lining teenager.

Phil, I sent you a PM. I’m definitely interested.

Can you still use the step ins on a bail binding, and do you have the original heels if not? I’m starting to get gear together and am not sure which way to go on bindings yet.

The shop has a pair of 27 Track 700s that were a bit too tight for me. I believe there were two other smaller (24?) pairs as well.

Sunday’s a work day, keeping the lifts going. I am usually out Friday mornings.

A huge thank you to patmoore for taking me out today. You definitely got me hooked on hardboots.

I ride regular and am looking to go out next Friday possibly (unless adult responsibilities happen). I was drooling over those boards last year but couldn’t shell out the money having never tried it.

I’ve been riding soft boots for years and want to try hard boots before pulling the trigger on buying a full set up. Is there anyone in the Okemo area with gear they would be willing to rent out for a half day. I’m looking for something in the 160ish range and 28 boots. Might be able to get you a pass or two.