Ok, aspiring boarder that loves to 'carve' or at least try my best. I don't know what it is, been that way since starting on sticks(Elan,SCX).It just seems like a waste NOT to use the whole trail, edge to edge, and even head back 'up' the hill. The deeper the rut the more satisfaction. Yea, I've seen you guys (usually @ Killington)skimming your whole body along the surface of the snow while 'carving' gorgeous arc's. I want in on the FUN. Still have my ski stuff, although haven't used in 3 years (since started boarding) so thought maybe I could use boots, if I wanted to go 'hardbooted'.Boots are Technica TNT Explosion 8's, pretty stiff, always liked them on the sticks, but understand the difference in flex needed between a board and ski. Existing boarding tools are: K2 Valhalla 159 (first new board/railed when I bought it, struggled fot a year before I found out problem/shop ground it 3 times to try to correct/ now no base left) HATE it, will NEVER buy another K2 product! Realizing the K2 was pretty well spent, just purchased a Never Summer Premier 161, so far I love this thing. I'm too fat and old to be wallowing around in the snow so I use Burton 'step-ins' and DON'T care what anybody says' I love them! Again, I like a stiff boot so right now I'm in the Burton Rulers, 3 years ago they were the stiffest boot Burton made and I love 'em. Bindings are Burton SI-X. Realizing 'SI' are getting scarce, just bought new Burton Drivers and SI-X as spares. Now that I have a 'spare' set of bindings, NEED to find a board to put them on. Was ALWAYS mesmerized by you guys carving, so guess I NEED one of those boards (like it's the board doing it !) I have been looking at sales on ebay and was wondering about the Burton Speed 168 (sorry for the "B" word / it doesn't seem well liked here) as a first board for me? I'm 5'11" 220lbs, and just want to carve, fast slow just keep turning. I've read most of the info here, and realize as in most things in life a lot is personal preferance, but looking for some input. Alpine / carving boards are a rare sight local hill (Blue Mtn.., Pa) and finding a knowledgeable person in a shop has been impossible so far! Therefore the only information I have is what I read here. Thinking of an inexpensive introduction to Alpine/carving boarding, using the SI-X bindings/'stiff' soft boots,"B" Speed 168, or a good used board. What do you think ?
Sorry for the long post / THANKS---------John
