MAD1

Thank you for the advice. I was already thinking of going the machine shop route.

If by chance you somehow end up with only the step-in toe bails left-over, I'll take them. (you had replied to my WTB thread- thanks for the advice)

I've been using Catek bindings with the toe flip lever (not step-ins). I'd like to start using step-ins and the FinTec heal system, but I really want to keep my Cateks since I can easily swap them between boards. Michelle told me that Bomber did make a limited run of the steel heel receiver for the Cateks. So I thought I'd see if anybody that has them would like to sell them. I'd also like the toe bails, the heal bails don't look like they fit across the toe of the boot quite right. Thanks. e-mail me at: kdamad@windstream.net

Thanks for posting terekhov. Thanks for the reply fin. It's a good reminder to check one's own equipment... often... especially after a crash.

Thanks for the feedback.

Thinking of heading up to Okemo on Thursday night for a Friday/Saturday stint. Can anyone tell me what the conditions are like either there or some place close by? With the warmish weather recently and now the arctic blast, I'm fearing dust on crust conditions. Let me know please. Thanks.

I'm interested, e-mail sent.

Uh... okay. I don't "race" so I guess I'm not in the "know". But I do know that you don't need to cram your feet into a boot that is 2 sizes "too small" to have good control for freecarving. A snug fit-yes, tight- maybe, hurting your feet so bad you can't wear them 3 days in a row- no way. Sounds like a fit issue not a boot issue.

Are you guys serious? An 11 street shoe size down to a 26.5 in a boot? Do you need to bind your feet a few hours before putting on your boots so they fit? I were a 9.5 street shoe and the Head Stratos Pro fits me very snug (with only a thin liner sock on). I couldn't imagine going to the next size down.

Count me in for Sunday.

I stand corrected. Thanks.

“but im on crappy east coast mountains and I can hardly turn here to begin with.” Without a doubt to EC you do need very good conditions/hero snow. But if you “can hardly turn here to begin with” maybe, just maybe you’re taking a bigger leap than you are ready for. Personally I like the East coast hardpack; it’s fast, it hurts like hell when you fall on it and it forces you to have your **** together tight to carve on it. Everyone wants to get a stick, hit the slopes and start rippin perfect TV box carves. Before you can do that you might just need to put in time on the snow (lots of time), work on technique, tweek your equipment, take your lumps and earn your carves. Honestly though, the conditions in the past couple of weeks here in the northeast have been any thing but crappy. So if you are still having trouble carving in these conditions maybe it’s time for a serious reality check. Walk first then run. Happy carving and good luck on your quest

Was just up at Okemo on Fri/Sat for a little pre-session taste. As always the mountain was in excellent shape, good snow and great grooming was abound. The 3 best places to ride at Okemo are as follows: Solitude area, Solitude area & Solitude area. The south side just seems to get too scraped off and sees too much sun. Happy slicing!

Greg just be aware of this, once you take to fixxing it yourself, Volant will certainly no longer stand behind their product. So if you think you want Volant to fix it or replace it, don't f' with it. You may want to at least check with Volant on their warranty policy regarding 2nd owner of their product. As pretty as that board is I'd certainly like to see you at Okemo riding a different stick. Time to start the quiver. See you soon. Good luck.

Can someone who lives up there or has been there in the last couple of days give me a "real report" as to what the conditions are really like. A couple of friends and myself are planning a to go to Okemo on Friday/Saturday. Just trying to get a good idea of what its like up there since I don't really believe the mountain snow report. Thanks

If March roles around and you still need a cheap place to stay there is a Hostel in town about a quarter mile from the mountain. It's called the Trojan Horse Hostel? they've got a website. It's about $25 a night and you need your own "bedding"- not a sleeping bag.

Don't know what happened to Bricky. But I am planning to attend. I have friends that are going to be at Killington that week so I may do Thursday with them at Killington. Friday and Saturday I am planning for Okemo. I'll be bunking at Pat's penthouse for Friday/Saturday. If Bricky or someone would arrange things such as demos, discounts, free beer ... things like that, it would be a plus. But I'm really more interested in carving with other hardbooters. Unfortunately my schedule, work/school has me too swamped or I would take the initiative to look into those things. Peace

Amen brother.

Aahhh, the old "Burton big stomp pad". I have 3 of these on various boards and have had them for at least 10 to 15 years. Those things just last forever, they're low and unobtrusive and they can be pealed off and re-applied (without leaving any residue) a seamingly infinite amount of times. 3M aint got nothing on them. Recently though I aquired a couple of clear Dakine stomp pads in the shape of the (chopper) cross. They are nice and low with about 2 dozen little spikes on them. Work well.

I may consider it depending on the weather between now and then. A good dose of natural snow would seal the deal for me. I think Blue Mountain needs to either learn how to make better snow with their old guns or buck-up and buy the newer jet engine looking snow guns. They blow good ice balls but not very good snow. Aside from all that, it sounds like a great idea.

Okemo has great grooming and some great runs. Count me in Bricky. Patmoore, count me in for a bunk please. I'll be there.

9 years in hard boots. 16 years on boards. The Burton Cruize was my first ride and I still have it. The Burton Stat 6 was my first board with plate bindings and the one where it all came together for me. I certainly still have that one.

Thanks.

Okay, I'm sure it's because I'm just not that trendy or internet savvy, but what the hell does "bump" mean? I see it in posts all by itself.

I guess I have to be specific. In my reality/world, I consider a "regular" board to be a race board and consider all the other boards out there to be the exception. Especially when I'm on this site. Just how I see it that's all.