Atom Ant

I think the issue lays in the interstate regulatory differences and the ensuing unpredictability. It's a large financial output to reserve, coordinate, etc. the event and in a situation where usasa is not able to influence the regulations that will or will not allow them to have the event. So my guess is this is out of financial prudence and a desire to not have 2019 occur again (where they had auctions and general donation begging to recuperate losses). The US is not Europe.

AWD Hurucan with a box on top... would make the drive worth it regardless of conditions!

I have a sense their head is in the same place, and that is why they were forthright in simply cancelling this year. Last year, as those involved in USASA know, they lost an unseemly amount of funds having to cancel Nationals which resulted in auctions and other moves in an attempt to recoup the losses. Given the unknowns right now, they likely felt--reasonably-- that it would be rolling the dice on committing the funds for 2021, and perhaps having done so two years in a row, and having to cancel two years in a row and thusly experience the financial loss once again... they decided to be financially conservative for the good of the organization moving forward. I of course feel deep sympathy for the kids who's competitive seasons are being truncated or outright cancelled--especially those who perhaps may not get another chance to compete in USASA due to "moving on" to college, etc. I will not try to rationalize anything for fear of veering into politics--it sucks, plain and simple and I think most will find it agreeable on at least that level.

Call Jasey. Owned every plate I referenced.

Similar or exactly the AllFlex pattern. "Spring hinges" in middle. Skip boilerplates all together. I've ridden 5 and 4, and Apex v2 (which I loved). Apex all day, not even close. More feel, lighter, assymetric is an option for mounting, and similar dampening. JJA will customize a plate for customers, FYI. Best mounting hardware as well for traditional hinges plates that I've seen as well. My 2 cents.

Own one. Number of passes depends on the stone grit your using... Lighter grit means more passes. Best to own both types... I think the "kit" comes with two. Contact Artech (phone), they usually have good deals. There are also alternatives that are less expensive... Do your research and you'll find them. All that said, I love mine. Less time in the basement.

Fake news!

@crackaddict Please let us know how that board rides. Mitch

The JJA new style plate is exactly as you describe.

I would throw in Jasey's new plate design (center hinges). I have two, and they are amazingly adjustable... Would take me many, many seasons to go through all the options. Similar to AllFlex, which Jasey says is better on flats whereas his is superior on medium to steep slop. From my own experience, I would agree. Significantly cheaper too. No 4x4.

Picked up a proto synthesis 159DF today! Thanks for the heads up!

Alexey, Comments too, please.

Feel free to move to the "racing" sub-forum, but thought this would have broader interest. Was talking with a buddy yesterday about this: What do you think are the pros and cons of tighter vs. longer sidecuts on, say, a standard length 185cm GS board as applicable strictly to going faster? Then, to make things interesting: let's consider variations on where the longer vs. shorter radius is played out on the board... So variations in turn in vs. release, etc. Pros and cons from the standpoint of going through a course as fast as possible? I will delay putting forth my thoughts for the moment, as I know there are members here with more technical design prowess than I. What say you all?

I'll add.

Okay quick question here I had a pair of gecko bumpers stealth and a few fell off... Don't get me started. As is evident that Apex has gone bust can I use skateboard bumpers you know the type that go in kingpins as replacements? Has anyone done this if so please advise either on this idea or alternatives. Thanks all!

New to me this past April...

Iron Rock is basically the exact same thing, cheaper. AllFlex was codeveloped by the owner. Worth reaching out as I believe they are around 800 USD last I checked, which is around what most ask for used AllFlex plates. Further, as these effectively work via the bending of the metal itself, it should be noted this is one product that, pending the model, usage and manufacturing year, might be better purchased new.

Agreed with TVR on the overall vibe / approach as my immediate area is similar. Not to be applied broadly across the country, obviously. Reality of geography. Sucks to be a new yorker right now. Is what it is. That said, the hyper focus on deaths is ridiculously narrow on the spectrum of points that can be made on this subject. This is a novel virus, we do not know or yet appreciate the full spectrum of health related issues it posses. Do I think I will die of Covid-19? No. Is it possible it leaves many with sever and possibly perminent health effects? Research currently points towards "possible", and if one is going to make an argument in the direction of "common sense" related to restrictions then this fact needs to be accounted for (and for which there are few bankable stats on). This I have rarely seen amongst the "common sensers" for lack of a better label. Maybe I'm just missing it, who knows. Regardless, do what you feel is safe and comfortable and so long as others are not put at risk by your own decisions... You do you.

Jasey Jay makes very simple, light uhmw risers. Give him a call.

Well, there is a absence of clear info regarding motive. I doubt a personal grievance is at the core, however, in the sense that this individual(s) was wronged in some way by the owners / operators of the cable. I would guess environmental activism? Obviously speculation. Broadly speaking, in this moment in culture, the act of vandalism is indeed considered by some as a political act, and one stemming from a desire to bring down the current "system" and build up again anew. Check out the book "In Defense of Looting". Form your own opinion. I would agree, however--and while I actually find myself coming here more often than not for the nuanced, well thought out political-leaning discussions (you are all fine people, and honestly the thoughtful nature of participants here is part of the sport's appeal to me and cannot be separated) I agree that overstatement is a tendency to be avoided. It doesn't stand out on Facebook, etc. but it does stand out here.

I have not heard of this new tech, but I have heard of the company and I know they are fairly well respected in the micro-producer world. I would try this for sure.

Bought the east coast pass-- considering recent transmission studies on the virus it appears there is not a massive risk so long as one stays outdoors the entire time (no lodge), wears a proper mask while riding, and takes other common sense precautions. So for me, if the resorts are open I will be there--but I will not be in the lodges if at all possible short of a vaccine, etc. I have no faith in people being responsible in this inside environment. I actually expect this coming season--assuming good conditions--to be excellent riding as the unemployment / underemployment situation combined with all the other societal factors ongoing might mean far less crowds.

3/1 when I raced GS (2/1 BX); now it's 2/1 for rec carving and the time maintaining has gone way, way down. Wouldn't recommend anything more than 2/1 for rec riding.

https://app.bidcoz.com/usasa/auction?fbclid=IwAR0tjcn4IcRcXuklXgm8uhVI27iUcPvtayTi5FxSJhWGrLlXxUrYWEp5qrw USASA explains it in the above link; summary: they are out a ton of money due to the cancellation of the 2020 USASA Nationals at Copper this year--we all know why. As a result, they are in dire need of funds to keep the non-profit alive. To be clear: if USASA dies out or scaled back it would be a major, major blow to snowboarding in the United States; for Alpine, I cannot think of a worse blow not only to all of us as participants (in USASA or hardbooting in general) but the vendors we love so dearly as they rely on USASA based youth competitors as a major source of income. I encourage you all to at least donate something; or bid on an item as there are several that may be of interest. To be clear, the closure or drastic scale-back of USASA will ripple through the boutique equipment industry and ultimately effect every single person on the forum in a negative way. However, and less on the nose--this is a wonderful organization that gives a lasting and deep appreciation of snowboarding to hundreds of youths every single year and is the only organization that allows adults to compete in snowboard competitions. Please donate / bid what you can, and thank you.

I feel like an ass. I have ridden it, and it rules. In fact, I think anyone thinking of "getting into" BX would do well to just pick up one of these (or a used one)--great board to introduce someone to to SB carving and BX racing and the fact (I believe) there are two options--metal and non-metal--is great for those on a budget.