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Pigbrogg
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Posts posted by Pigbrogg
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I've wanted a Thirst board for a couple of years, but finally snagged one late this season.
I'm mostly an intermediate carver who prefers soft boots, I just can't handle hard boots all day! Over the years, I've owned a bunch of soft-boot boards, from the Oxess to Asian brand like Gray and ENO. If you're also into soft boot carving and considering a Thirst, hopefully this review can help you out!
First Impressions & Test Conditions
I got the board earlier this month and tested it at Brighton in typical spring conditions. Sadly, my alarm betrayed me, so I hit the slopes after 12pm with softer snow than expected. It wasn't super smooth, but still a good test of the board's handling.
My Thirst is a 22CC+FAF165 WARP RFF custom made for me with a 25.6cm waist, 358 flex index, and the Halftone fade topsheet. Honestly, it's the most beautiful board I've ever owned, and the build quality is exceptional – better than Frank's Virus (sorry Frank, still love your boards!).
For this test, I paired it with my Ride Trident boots (with Deeluxe ankle hardness) and bindings – Flux CV in the front and SP Mountain in the back. Mark did set the edges to 88 degrees on the side and 1 degree base, I am used to a 87 side and 0.5 degree base.
The Ride:
My first run down Snake Creek was a revelation! This board effortlessly reached the apex of each turn. Unlike a titanal Oxess, which demands effort to exit the turn, the Thirst almost magically guides you out. It's incredibly nimble, reacting instantly to the slightest input, and the edge hold is unreal.
People rave about Thirst's smoothness, and now I get it. This isn't the sluggish feel of some overly damped titanal boards. It's stable, yet with just the right amount of feedback. I felt some chatter on uneven snow, but never lost control. This board feels alive! I know that sounds abstract, but if you've ever tried a Thirst, you know exactly what I mean. In short, this board offers effortless riding, complete control, and instant response.
The closest board I've ridden to the Thirst is the Virus X Carve Zylon 2 which is another favorite of mine. Both are fast and nimble, but the Thirst is surprisingly more forgiving. If your technique isn't perfect, the Thirst still has your back and won't spring you out of the turn.
If you're a softboot carver looking for a playful, responsive board, the Thirst CC+ could be your dream ride.
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This awesome thing just arrived in my mailroom, good thing the resorts are still open.
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13 hours ago, crackaddict said:
Nice board. What are the black stripes? Is that some kind of plate or riser?
The black stripe you see is a carbon plate from Japan. The company claims that it will help reduce vibration and stiffen the torsional flex under the binding, giving you a more stable ride.
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I only had two days on the mountain with this plate, both days on the Oxess CX. It is a very stiff titanium construction board.
The reduced vibration claims appear to be true at high speeds, with less shudder under the binding. However, it does not stiffen the torsional flex as much, so it may only work well for softer boards. I will try to get my Virus X Carve out for testing and then post a more precise review.
In my opinion, metal boards are not lacking in torsional stability, but they are not as lively as regular or carbon construction boards. The reason I imported this plate to the US is to find the sweet spot on regular construction boards. Boards are just getting stiffer and heavier, don't get me wrong I do see the benefits of titanium construction, but not everyone is a world cup level rider crushing gate at 80 miles an hour.
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Beautiful board! I'm still waiting for Mark to build one for me.
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On 4/1/2023 at 3:39 PM, crackaddict said:
@dhamann However, I do develop some pain in the outsides of my lower legs when I ride them too much and I've heard this from other Flux riders also. When the pain comes on, I just switch to softer more comfortable bindings for a few days and then back to the XVs as soon as possible! Love the feel and the ride.
I have the same issue as you do; the XV really crushes the boots, making it painful to ride all day.
However, I use the CV for my front foot and the XV for my back foot, which seems to work quite well for me. I'm not certain if mixing up the bindings is the best approach, but I love the setup, and it's quite comfortable for riding.
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I recommend the Flux XF or Flux CV, I have used both before and Flux makes an xs size for the XF. The Flux CV is explicitly created for carving and has a higher-heel cup. I also have two pairs of Flux XV from different years, responsiveness is amazing but is way too stiff for a full day of riding.
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I owned a The Ride a few years back, and just by looking at the shape, I am confident that the Spectra is a different board. The Ride had a bigger nose and probably a softer profile.
The attached picture was my The Ride. Take a closer look at the nose area. -
My lineup for the upcoming season, and yes I am into K carving
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Representing the softbooter here!
I added the new Oxess CX 162, 26.2, 14m on to my collection this year + still waiting for Mark to build me a Thirst.
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1 hour ago, ShortcutToMoncton said:
“Better acceleration”? How does the soft plate give better acceleration?
I don't quite remember how Frank explained, but is basically like a spring, when you push down it absort and store the energy.
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I'm reading the Secrets of the Greatest Snow on Earth by Jim Steenburgh, great book to read while dreaming the powder day.
Honest review !!! Great book, easy to read and teaches everything you need to know about snow science.
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I had never ridden a Nidecker, but this thing does look like an Apex SBX board!
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I bought an epic pass this year, and last year due to covid I have my Ikon pass deferred.
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Looking for the Kessler X-Crave pm me pls if you have one to sell!!!
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I own both the Virus Isolator and the OJK plate. OJK plates are plastic plate system made in Japan, it works "okay," but don't expect performance to be like the fancy Allflex. It's just a riser to reduce dampness and toe drag. Virus Isolators are the newest plate system on the market, I believe. It does everything you want from a plate, reduces toe drag, dampness, better acceleration and saves your power. The OJK costs you around $100, including shipping, the Virus Isolator is about 500 USD plus shipping is quite big of a price gap.
Link for both plates:
https://shop.virus-snowsports.com/collections/zubehor/products/virus-isolator-carbon-new
http://joint.shop-pro.jp/?mode=cate&cbid=1847849&csid=0
On 9/30/2022 at 3:18 PM, ShortcutToMoncton said:I love that Virus’ risers are the same price as a Coiler snowboard.
Have to say it is actually worth the money.
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4 hours ago, Neil Gendzwill said:
If they're not aiming for markets outside of Japan, why do they even bother with English? Also, physics doesn't change with culture. If I get on a board designed for the weight range of an athletic Japanese person, it's going to be a noodle for me.
To be honest I am not sure why they even bother translated into English.... and ye physic doesn't change with culture, but the fact is the board are designed for the Asian rider. Anyway contact them in English, tell them what your concerned is, they are very nice person based on my experience. Here is the email address : oshietene@graysnowboards.co.jp
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On 12/17/2020 at 12:03 PM, Neil Gendzwill said:
You'd think those guys would get a native English speaker to proof their copy. They have boards in the "freestyle categoly" or the "carving categoly"...
As has been discussed before, all of their soft boot boards have pretty narrow waists, even the "Lovebuzz" which seems to be their entry in the volume-shifted all-mountain category. Also I note none of their specs include a weight recommendation. I suspect I'm too fat for a Japanese board.
Fist of all I don't think they will get a native English speaker to explain their products, is pretty clear they are not aiming for the North America market. You are totally right all of Japanese carving board have pretty narrow waists, they are soft boots board but most of them feel like alpine boards, what mean is the fact that those board are mean to be riding on higher angle, something like ＜+30,＜+21.
I know many people probably gonna hate me if I say this, but weight recommendation don't really matter in Asia, unlike the NA or EU rider, instead of buying a board to fit their own riding style, Asia rider adjust their riding style to fit the board they bought. Not sure if this makes sense to you.
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On 12/10/2020 at 2:04 PM, Shred Gruumer said:
So where and how did you pull in the Gray's.... Zen..
actually super easy , the fastest way for buying a Japanese snowboard is from rakuten japan, basically a Japanese Amazon!
There is a website call rakuten global express, they will handle the shipping and they had well explain everything on their website. there are also tons of YouTube video teaching you how buy stuff from rakuten japan.
Buying a snowboard is the same as you buying anything else from Japan. Shipping to the US is around $250, depends on what carrier you use UPS package usually only take 4 days to get to the US after it ship out.
as long as you have a credit card label with visa or master card you payment should go through.
PM me if you still have questions.
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My first reply ever ! I'm new to the forum.
I got the new Gray Mach 160W this year, not the hammer head really hope it works....
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Thirst 22CC+FAF165 WARP RFF
in Alpine Board Reviews
Posted · Edited by Pigbrogg
I personally prefer narrower boards as they feel more agile and responsive to me. My preference is to use boards with a maximum width of 26.2, as anything wider feels cumbersome and less maneuverable for my riding style.
I wear size 9 boots, with a 45 degree in the front and a 39 degree in the back.
Here are my thoughts on stance angles. If you are looking for a board that is nimble, responsive, and feels like an alpine board, you should use a narrower board. It is simply not possible to achieve that on a wide board. It is a trade-off, you cannot get the best of both worlds. Narrow boards offer performance and liveliness, but less comfort, while wider boards allow you to run a lower angle for more comfort, but are less maneuverable and less responsive.
Over the years, I have tested many softboot plates. Most of these plates are excellent and provide increased clearance. However, they have not yet reached a point where I can say that I genuinely enjoy using them.
It is important to note that regardless of the cost or material used, whether it be an expensive Apex plate or inexpensive plastic risers, they both have the potential to alter the intended flex of the board. This deviation from the original design is simply not desirable. I am aware that RM is currently developing a softboots board with custom softboots Iron rock plate. I have not yet had the opportunity to try one, but if it truly delivers the Allflex performance, it could be a game changer for softbooters.
The resorts in Utah and Colorado are always packed, and it's not uncommon for there to be accidents. Especially at Brighton and Copper, kids are just flying down the slopes like crazy.