CravingCarving

This just popped up in my feed, what a gem. Brought me back to watching videos on VHS. (Was going to post, but found this thread with a quick search.)

I just picked up Stranda Cheater. Only been out on it one day, but for my style/hill it was game changing compared to the regular boards I’ve tried and even my BX. I couldn’t find the end of its grip, I didn’t need to fight it at all, so smooth and when the hill turned to mini moguls it was shockingly damp through it all. It may be a small side cut for some, but since our regions hills don’t have more than 250m (750’) of drop the manoeuvrability was fantastic.

My daily driver softboot board is a K2 Excavator 158cm 6.3/7.3m and 1180EE and I found that I couldn’t hold a carve most of this season and I was averaging 38 kph(23.6 mph). Once I dropped down to 30 kph (18.6 mph) I could rail carves and launch out of one and into the other. I was definitely over riding the EE and radius. P.S. My home hill is 50m (150’) so a short radius board is the only way to get the most out of the runs.

Ok, first ride with the Edge Pros and am very happy with them. Was at a resort that has some of the most technical terrain in our area (super steep) and also had a boardercross and banked slalom track just for some fun too. Sad it's the end of the season so I can't keep riding and working on my set up. Here are my stiffness observations: They are super stiff! With all my weight forward (195lb), I only needed to go one notch on my forward lean. (Used to have it all the way and still didn't touch). I did not source the extra tongue stiffeners you can get, and depending on how they break in (if they do) I don't think I will need to, but only time will tell. Also they are so stiff that at the end of the day I lost my toe edge twice through the chop because I was so used to absorbing the bumps with my ankles and that is not much of an option with these, at least right out of the box. Had to remind myself to be more active with my knees than I had been over the last couple years, essentially equivalent to being in my alpine boots. They are also laterally stiff. By the end of the day, my legs hurt on the inside of my calves where my cuff is from squeezing my legs together and the boot not moving. I was using a slightly wider than natural stance width and now know that I need to use nat stance with these. Notes on fitment: These boots were so much more comfortable than my 2nd season Ride's. No pressure, no numbness and when I took them off and put on my shoes, was just a footwear change, not a relief. The mondo point, for me was spot on. I usually wear wide shoes and boots. Right out of the box, the width was good and I was shocked. I only had some light pressure on my big toe and my two small toes were jammed (was worried about how jammed they were). Got a boot fit and all toes were a little snug on the end, but comfortable and by the end of my day, same feeling as the start. I am extremely happy that I picked these up, and am looking forward to progressing my riding with them next season. If you have any questions, I am happy to try and answer them.

I had been riding the Ride Laso Pro (one step under Insano, totally regret not waiting) and destroyed them in a season. Initially they were significantly stiffer than my old boots, however by mid season, they were so floppy toe side was so much more work. Backcountry just had a sale for the Edge Pros so I jumped on them. They are crazy stiff!!! My old boots stairs were barely different than hikers, with the Edge Pros it’s back to awkwardly going up and down stairs. I walk the same in them as my alpine boots. The tongue is truly solid. The Laso I can bend the tongue in half and not much effort, where as the Edge I can barely flex it at all. (They are unridden, this could change) First ride is this weekend, super stoked to try these out! I will report how they feel on the snow.

I read this thread and also did some runs with more advanced riders. They commented on my forward lean. 45/39 angles and 3/5 front and 4/5 rear lean (can't get my Deeluxe to go 5/5). *(I have F2 Intec Tintanium bindings with F2 heel and toe lifts) So I went fully upright. 2 runs = 2 pairs of undies. Went to 2/5, another pair of undies. Went back to 3/5. I'm new and not carving well, but I had absolutely no control with the boot upright and way way too many close calls. Might be one of the factors limiting my riding, but I'm also not looking to hurt myself (again). It was like I'd never ridden a board with it upright, couldn't get it to do anything but try and kill me. Any thoughts are appreciated.

What are some drills to work on increasing angulation? (New alpine rider, longtime softboot rider. Finding the switch difficult.) (I can start a new thread if more appropriate, but thought since it was mentioned a few times it would be within the scope of this thread) Thanks

It's written up as a backwoods powder board rather than a carving board hence the nose and tail design, but wide and able to handle carving on groomers according to Fawcett.

I just looked at the Kindred page. There are only 2 sizes available for the Mark Fawcett model (158/163) and the largest model is the 163 - 28 cm waist. Bruce currently constructs 27-27.5 cm as his widest with his current set up. So more than likely this was just a logistics move. Plus Kindred offers stock and custom, so they can build an inventory of the MRK5(name on the board) to have and sell, something that Bruce isn't interested in doing.

Thanks. I went through a serious car accident a few years ago, so I have pre assembled team to help speed up my recovery. Craniosacral, osteopath, chiropractor and massage therapist helping to put me back in working order faster. If you have any concussion questions, I may have some insight, been a client, member & volunteer of the Ontario Brain Injury Association for the last 7 years now.

First year carving. Boarded 23 years, but skidded until this year. Man it’s so addicting railing turns. Made it out over 40 times this year, just picked up a mint F2 Eliminator 166w and took it and my quiver to Moonstone for a last hurrah. My last hurrah turned out to be an idiot cruise missile slamming into me an hour into the day. Knocked out instantly, didn’t make my next memory until 5 hours later in hospital. Made only a half dozen memories total from 1030 am till the next day. Thankfully the concussion symptoms have been mostly mild, but I’ve been super careful/restful. So far the worst has been a very angry neck and back, still quite locked up 2 weeks after impact. On the positive note, I’m still watching carving videos and can’t wait for next season. Also in contact with the legendary Bruce to get my first custom board. Take care AIL crew and heal up good this summer.

I know this is a very old post, but for future reference: There is an Alpine instructor at Mont St. Louis. His name is Imo. You can book a lesson through their portal and specify you are looking for an Alpine lesson and would like to be paired with Imo.

There is an Alpine instructor at Mont St. Louis. His name is Imo. You can book a lesson through their portal and specify you are looking for an Alpine lesson and would like to be paired with Imo.

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