Hello, where do I start? 50 yr old here with hip replacement , 235 lbs. and size 12.5 street shoe.
Started snowboarding at a young age (all soft boots) and my last setup was a K2 HC 162 board with Koflach Superpipe hybrid snowboard boots. Attached to standard K2 strap bindings for soft boots.
I also rented a board setup a while ago with hard boots and alpine board. I really enjoyed the responsiveness!
Last month I went to Steamboat and rented a Lib board and soft boots (felt big and sloppy)and absolutely hated it because of the UN-responsiveness.
I was going to buy the Phantom Slipper HD, as that seemed to be the closest to my favorite old boots, the KOFLACH superpipes, but realized that I have to bend down to enter and exit binding. If I could use Phantom slippers with a step in binding that would be the perfect solution for me, but I don't that is available.
I will be riding a K2 Instrument 163.
My riding angle are +21 front and +6 back
I ride regular and my front hip has the hip replacement.
So I am looking to buy the Softest hard boots with a STEP-IN binding because I have a hip replacement and I don't want to bend down every time.
Do the step in bindings come with the mounts? I've seen angled pucks, plates, boiler plates?, and other items.
Questions
1. What is the softest hardboot , best for freeriding and closest to getting a surfy feel on an a K2 Instrument 163.
2. What are STEP-IN bindings that are recommended? I've been told Intecs are good. Is there an Intec for freeriding and a surfy style. Not stiff for racing?
3. Also what cants are recommended? Will it depend on how soft the boots are? Or will I have to test different cants on the binding mounting plates to see what I prefer? Do the bindings themselves come slanted?
4.Do the step in bindings come with the mounts? I've seen angled pucks, plates, boiler plates?, and other items.
Sorry for all the questions and thank you very much for taking the time to help me in advance!!
Alex Schwarz