Gabe T

Curious indeed. Based on some of the shots it seems like the camera is not even attached to the end of those strings that are visible in the shot. Take a look at 2:16 just before he falls.

Laura, one of the regulars at our local hill carving it up a couple of seasons ago. 167 Coiler AM. Pretty big turns despite having an XT sidecut.

NYPD were not so kind to longboarders. I did the ride that day ... luckily was able to elude the fuzz! I guess these guys must have had a permit to ski and snowboard on the streets. : )

Rob, the Angrry I’m riding is one of Bruce’s demos. http://www.coiler.com/ANGRRY.html It’s 19cm wide and has a variable sidecut that averages out around at around 9.5m. I don’t think the sidecuts would necessarily be exactly the same between different models of boards. In terms of choice, I’m sure that the sidecuts could be tweaked to match your needs with Bruce’s input. Corey, I’ve been meaning to add some additional comments referencing your earlier review. Yes, I definitely was making some bigger turns than usual. The run in the video was a bit faster than the ideal for that board; it felt like I was pushing the speed threshold at times. As you had mentioned, the Angrry really feels at its best when making tighter turns on a mellower run. It does show how you can utilize the variable sidecut to vary the turn shape though. I too found myself riding this board late into the day. At my hill, this typically means riding in some softer and bumpier conditions. I’ve never really enjoyed carving under these conditions; at that point, I’m usually changing over to my skis. On the occasions where I do stay on the board, I usually find myself changing my riding style to avoid trench digging too deep; I incorporate sliding with fairly brief carve pressure. I don’t find this type of riding too fun on bigger boards as the sliding feels sluggish. This is where the Angrry was surprisingly fun! Its short length makes these movements feel more responsive and nimble. I’ve heard Bruce recount this same sentiment from others who have had the opportunity to try a board of this nature in soft conditions. Corey, I saw your comment about the board not being suited for soft snow but I’m assuming you’re likely referring to more of a carving style of riding. Also agree that this would be an unlikely choice as ones only board, but would be a great compliment to a bigger board that offers a bit more comfort and stability at higher speeds. I had never ridden an alpine board as short as the 160 so it was a refreshing change of pace. I’m definitely considering adding this to the collection! Gabe

Video from last season on a Coiler Angrry (160cm) Thanks to Kaz for shooting the footage!

Anyone have any experiences to share relating to an ACL injury? Hurt my left knee about 5 weeks ago playing softball trying to stop quickly at a base. Saw a specialist who suspected an ACL injury following an initial clinical exam. Initially I was hoping it was only an MCL which would be less serious. Went in today for an MRI and will have my follow up appointment in a couple weeks to review the results. Still have some stiffness and swelling but I am able to do some activities in conjunction with strength and flexibility exercises for the ACL. It did not seem to impact my golf swing so got in some range time and a couple of rounds. I am also able to stand and push on the longboard on both legs without any issues. My gut feel is that I will probably need surgery if I want the knee to return to the level where I can do activities that involve pivoting and cutting or jumping. In terms of riding, it feels like I could do it with some bracing support. I guess I will have a better idea once I have the assessment and consider the options for recovery. Gabe

Although it may not be an obvious choice to most based on the needs you mentioned, I'm not surprised by the recommendation. I spent quite a bit of time on a 160 Angrry last season and really enjoyed its versatility. Great on the groomers but I also found myself riding it late into the day even when things got choppy. I would have typically switched over to skis much earlier. It's very nimble and fun to slide on. Even jumped into the moguls and felt comfortable on it. I'm sure you'll enjoy it! I have some video on the Angrry last season that I'll post up soon.

Yeah, pretty impressive. Looked like he really cranked up the binding angles. Noticed the logo on the base ... Jasey Jay board?

I think a simple shoulder check would have been a good idea here! (@ 2:53) http://youtu.be/3sdCZ4L6usQ?t=2m53s

I think I've got that one beat. 4th season with the Coiler VSR. Limited action this year due to new board and demo rides, but only 1 edge tune since I got it. : )

Funny, did the same thing this past weekend, minus the slamming. : ) Did a few runs on the skwal, then switched over to an unfamiliar setup on a 23cm EC board; 40 degree angle on the back foot with no lift or canting on either foot. (Experiment with a setup for Pureboarding style with mixed results) First few turns felt like I was riding a tank after coming off the skwal!

The video makes it look worse than it actually was. I don't think we really made much contact; no signs from examining the board at least. I slid out toe side; he managed to stay up on his skis but lost a hold of the pole holding the camera. You see him at the end of the shot. The pole got bent out of shape though as I'm guessing it got jammed into the ground before getting let go. The most heel lift I've ever used prior to this was 3 degrees. I was using Bruce's TD3s so no option to go 3/3 at the moment. The wide stance was comfortable and I didn't feel any unusual soreness after a full day of riding. I did feel a bit more strain on the legs the first time out but that may have been attributed some of the earlier runs where there was a bit more tension in the legs trying to adjust. My height is 5"11.

Thanks. Took me a second to figure out what you meant. : )

Got on the Coiler Skwal #2 this past weekend; same one that Bruce was riding at SES. Based on a Nirvana Balance, 174cm, 13 cm wide. VSR around 12m. Setup looked to have slightly lower binding angles than the test ride I had on skwal #1. Bruce set it up goofy for me so I just left the angles as is. A thin plastic plate was installed under each binding to distribute some of the forces from the metal TD3 disks. Stance width was around 44cm/17.5 inches. 6 degree heel lift, 3 degree toe lift. After having had about an hour on the first skwal 3 weeks ago, this felt pretty comfy from the start. I was hoping for firmer conditions but like the first time there was a few cms of fresh snow. The board was easy to ride and as time passed it began to feel more and more like a regular board. Stopping and sliding was also quite comfortable; a necessity on the weekend as the slope was quite crowded at times. One of the adjustments I found myself making involved pressuring the rear foot more during turns. I took it out the next morning as well. Conditions were still on the softer / slow side but there was just a dusting of snow and some fresh morning groom. I made some laid out turns early in the morning when the slope was still smooth and it felt really nice! Didn't experience any boot out as the added width combined with the radius of the board provided enough clearance. The skwal was the only board I rode on the weekend so I didn't experience the weirdness of switching back to a wider board. Just for kicks I did a run using my friend's ski poles who was doing the filming. I posted some footage in the videos forum.

Some clips on a Coiler Skwal 174 from this past weekend. Posted some details on the skwal thread: http://forums.bomberonline.com/index.php?/topic/27823-skwal-riders/?p=421044

It’s nice to see you guys get the opportunity to try one. I’m looking forward to getting back on one too! Yes, the heel side skids/stops were kind of tricky. Before trying the Coiler skwal, Bruce warned me about getting more weight on the back. It was still a bit awkward as I was exerting the back leg muscles quite a bit during the process. Eventually I leaned my upper body back a bit to ease some of the tension on the back leg. Not too sure if a wider or narrower stance would make this more difficult. Guessing a wider stance might be easier. The narrow stance is still a bit of a mystery to me as I’m not sure what the benefits are. Are there any skwalers out there that also alpine snowboard and prefer the narrow stance? Based on some earlier comments on this thread, it seems like a lot of guys that have had experience riding alpine find a wider stance more comfortable. I was discussing the topic about potential market of the ‘skinnys’ with Bruce after our first runs on his original build. My thoughts were that there was some definite crossover potential with the alpine crowd but people would need to get a taste of it first before diving into a purchase. To date, not too many opportunities to try one here in North America let alone see someone else ride one. And if you get to the stage of trying one, you really need to find a comfortable setup, otherwise that may turn some people off. Interesting to see some of the skwal specs; some do not seem very conducive to varying setups. E.g. (Oxess) with fixed inserts, short max stance width; less than 40com

Sounds like this. Although it does not sound new as I bought these used from a local BOL member earlier this season. http://forums.bomberonline.com/index.php?/topic/41176-f2-bindings-heeltoe-liftcant/?p=419330

Likely a Coiler Skwal. Bruce's second Skwal build. Looks like it's working pretty good based on the pics I saw! I have not seen this one in person as he finished it just prior to leaving for SES. I am hoping to get on it when he gets back! Waist width is 13cm. This one is based on a Nirvana Balance. Not sure about the length but I believe it's in the 170s. First one he built was a 12 cm waist. Tried it a couple a weeks ago and it was a fun ride! (Mentioned it on the skwal thread.)

The one in the picture are Intec Titaniums - Medium. I also have 2 other sets of Race and Intecs and neither had the slot; both were Large. I've seen other mediums without that slot and I believe the base plate size is the same regardless of the binding size.

Some advice as well as a question for the rest of you: Here's a picture showing the underside of the base plate. The screws will thread into the T-nuts. If you examine the base plate, there will be a small notch that the t-nut should sit in as it's being tightened. Pay attention to this as you put the bindings back into place as it may have shifted during the process. Make sure the dampening pads are in place as well before remounting onto the board. I purchased these bindings here recently and noticed that the base plate is different than the other F2 titaniums I've had. Note the space in the base plate between the t-nuts. Did F2 change up their plate at some point?

Oh yeah, guess that will rule those out. Anyone see these before? I had never heard of them until I saw them at a friend's place. Predate the bomber td1s. Looks like they would work but will need to examine them more closely in person. Took the pic a while ago in anticipation that they could be used for a skwal. No lift adjustment though. I see that some people that use bails will keep the back one clipped and clip in the front for ease of entry. Sounds good but I'm thinking getting off the lift might be a bit sketchy especially if you ride a wider stance. Lowrider, what kind of bindings are the ones you referred to? What are you using?

I'm sure Bruce will be happy to take your order. The ones he's built so far share the same lineage as the Nirvanas. Back to bindings, I was wondering how the old TD1s would work on a skwal? Still have an old set kicking around.

Thanks for the reply. I hope to experiment with different setups but I think a wider stance would end up being my preference. it seems to offer a more natural balanced stance. Personally think it looks better as well from a style perspective. I see that some ride with the front foot forward with no angle. That looked a bit unnatural to me as well. Bruce did some initial runs with that setup but eventually tweaked the setup to add some angle. Also moved the bindings slightly wider and further back. First couple of runs were pretty sketchy but was much smoother after the setup changes! I kept the setup the same when I got on it (except for angling it for a goofy setup). Felt pretty comfortable within a couple of runs after I got the hang of being able to slide/stop of both heel and toe side; toesides felt pretty similar to an alpine board, but heelsides needed more weight pressure on the back. Won't be trying it again until he gets back. He's started on the next one so I think he may be testing it while he's over there. Looking forward to the next ride!

These appear to be mediums (based on the overhang of the toe block over the center disk) What are those other black plates? Are they from F2? They look to be for a 3 hole (Burton?) pattern but I didn't think there was anything out there that made the F2s compatible with them.

Had my first experience riding a skwal the other day and had some general questions. Ride was a Coiler Skwal: #1! Stance width: Is this a matter of personal preference? I did see some comments about some preferring a wider stance but also have seen vids of some competent riders where the stance was very narrow. I only tried it with one setup; It was on the wider side and it seemed quite comfortable. Just curious why some prefer the narrower setup. Do boards respond with any noticeable difference based on stance width? Waist width: At 12 cm, is it too narrow for a TD3 setup? The snow was a bit on the soft side and when I got it high on edge, I did seem to lose good contact with the snow. Not sure if the cant disk or binding was causing any friction with the snow. I believe the disk is 11.5cm in width so given the slight bevel, it was about the same width of the board on top. Perhaps it’s not so much an issue in firmer conditions. How would you describe the feel of other skwals in terms energy and pop? I imagine it’s somewhat like alpine boards where you would have some variation among models with some rides being damper than others?