davekempmeister

How timely a discussion - I just rec'd my 187 (last years model, but new nonetheless) today. I can only attest to it's beauty. I thought, based on pictures, that the topsheet would be blue but was overjoyed to see that it's black. Maybe the blue is so dark I can't tell the difference. Whatever, it looks awesome and I envision that it rides beautifully. Regarding China, I've learned from past experiences not to reflexively be dismissive of the made in China label. Growing up in a household with parents that looked askance at asian manufactured goods, I carried these prejudices forward into adulthood. Empirical evidence has slowly changed my outlook. Over the years I've purchased numerous goods under the mistaken impression that they were manufactured in the country from which the brand originated (Coach leather goods, Rawlings baseball gloves, Bernina sewing machine, various tools, electronics etc.). I now better understand that the reality is that superior and inferior goods alike are not the monopoly of any one nationality. If a manufacturer moves production to China for any reason, the onus is on them (brand owners) to safeguard the value of the brand and the integrity of the manufacturing process. If they abdicate this key responsibility in negotiations, they do so at the peril of the business. Exceptions to this exist of course, like clothing brands that are now passe' and are cashing in at the end while on the way out. We've also seen brands that are overnight sensations and have to ramp up production so suddenly that only China has the capacity - and quality fell by the wayside as a result. Not very scientific, but just looking at this new Tanker of mine, I think it can handle whatever I have to give it. Reassuring though to read the accolades of the learned few that previously posted.

Just got a look at the Tanker on e.bay - looks like Carolina Blue. My wife went to Duke and wouldn't let it in the house.

Thanks for the heads up fellas. I called the Tanker distributor recently (Exotic Boards - Winton, CA) and spoke to RJ. I'm gonna pick up a previous years model 187 for $550. He'll call me when he gets his hands on it. Anyway, thanks for lookin' out. Tex, I'll be a dad again for the 2nd time any day now and this season my adventures will be a bit curtailed. I.E., lots of quick jaunts up the 95 corridor into NY, VT, NH. When time comes, I'll post up and see if our itineraries can reconcile. I know you wear a path to Stratton - somehow I've been everywhere but. Perhaps you could show me around the place. Just a thought, not inviting myself entirely.

Tanker 187 with wide waist preferable.

Many thanks to all for the insightful comments. I have used positive angles always, even with a soft set-up (+15 front, +6 rear) due largely to foot size. Employing gas pedal/toe risers and any trick conceivable to get my toes out of the snow. Riding duck is incomprehensible to me. Irony is that when I ride alpine my stance is so forward that I can ride any waist width I want +18 cm no problem. I'm so smitten with hardboots and snaky race boards I'm concerned that even if I drop big $ on a really good-fit soft setup, I'll discover that I just don't like it anymore. This making any sense? Foot surgery, some Lortab......yeah, I like roast beef.

I'm looking at getting a new soft setup and am looking for any helpful commentary. I'm well over 6 ft, 210-215lbs and size 15 ft - mondo 31.5 . Want a board that I can also put plates on and get benefit of. I considered a Tanker or Glissade Big Gun and am now intrigued by an Elan El Grande with a wide 28cm waist. I'm told the longest El Grande is 171cm and if I recall correctly sidecut is about 8.5 =/-. ANY thoughts welcome - usually no shortage of those, present company included. Thanks and all the best.

bump.

Anyone interested in a decent Burton fp 164 for a longer board? Will consider any offers.

I've got "the big feet" (mondo 31.5) and am always looking for a wide board. Intrigued by Elan's El Grande with it's 28+ cm waist (171 length). Question is, what is the widest waist of any Tanker? Sorry to digress on your post so quickly.

Say and write whatever you want, unhindered. That's how it should be. Keep it civil and abstain from the ole personal attack. Not that that should be a rule - just a suggestion.

No "ghost posting" going on here. It's similar to two old married people that know each others thoughts without a word spoken. Listen to an old married couple speak - there are so many holes in the conversation. Crazy.

Burton FP 164 (green and black) - bought from BOL contributor. Good condition, too small for me. If interested in pics go to "member list" and look up garyj - look for threads of about 2 years ago with corresponding theme. I used board once.

I got a Tierney last fall and was immediately smitten. I concur with previous comments regarding cost and wear of wheels etc. All negatives aside, the board's stability at speed and the similar to snowboarding body mechanics make it very worthwhile indeed. I too would prefer a longer deck with more feedback (2 less ply perhaps) - whatever - the guy at Tierney answers his phone/returns messages and stands behind his product. What more can you ask for.

Prob'ly gonna head to VT Sunday and go to Killington Monday & Tuesday (9th & 10th). E.mail problems - so best that you correspond with posts here. I'll check back tomorrow. End of my season for sure.

Looks sweet for this time of year. What's drive time from say.....NY/CT state line ? Just curious. Good thing I got a look at your thread Tex before its deemed "regional" and moved to VT/NH or whatever. Not that I have feelings about that or anything.

Visited Bromley, Gunstock and Mt. Snow this week (Mon., Tues. and Wed respectively) and I can't remember ever having such good luck with weather in New England at this time of year. Bluebird, cold air temps and recent snow made for awesome riding. Bittersweet though as this may well be season's end for me. Unless.......

When I'm in Rutland and with a group or family I often hike to Pico's summit using Long Trail from parking area. I try to get to the top, rest briefly, then descend by 8:00 a.m. Love doing that.

I preferred the site in it's previous configuration - less hoops to jump through when checking something quickly. Easier to reference previous posts chronologically, less fractured, if you will. I ride a few times a year in CO and sometimes CA. I frequent the Appalachian, Adirondack, Catskill, Green and White mountains among others and live between Baltimore and D.C. I would prefer that general comments were all under the same big tent. I can understand the need for sub-categories when the discussion is purely technical or commercial, etc. However, the business of someone periodically reviewing threads and unilaterally determining which pigeonhole to put them in seems a bit authoritarian. Arbitrary as well - I can't help but note that the thread that I started last night that was put in the New England "category" was in relatively close proximity to other threads that could easily be described as regional in subject matter and did not suffer the same fate. Is there a criteria? I visited Copper Mtn 2 weeks ago and in theory could have missed opportunities to ride with others or missed opportunities to answer someone's inquiries about the place because someone feels it so necessary to micro-manage what is supposed to be a way for people to connect. Seems somewhat regressive colonize people. Years ago one could only dream of being able to make a comment to the like minded and have it viewed nationally or even globally. Why go the other way? I'm the only one who sees it like this?

Recently I've made a few threads/posts and later noticed that they were omitted. Subsequently I discovered them relegated to the forum more specific to my region or some other subcategory. Presumably, a moderator combs through and does this in the interest of keeping the site as uncluttered as is possible. Recognizing the rationale behind this, I nonetheless dislike this practice simply because I don't believe that the vast majority of visitors and contributors view these subcategories. This results in less responses being illicited. Aren't these energies better spent moderating the ceaseless petty debates concerning proper form that degrade into personal attacks.

Gotta few days to play and may well be the end of my season. Northeasterners needed to weigh in on which VT/NH areas are still up to stuff on grooming, or conversely, not. Deal$ on lift tickets, etc. All input appreciated.

Anyone going to be at Whitetail Tuesday 3/6. Sunny, high of 34 according to NOAA. Like to film - you could go away with a tape (analog) or disc of self. I'll bring all equip necessary. Marc Brown perhaps?

Respectfully requesting an update concerning the status of this board. Thanks.

I've never ridden with anything but intecs and cannot offer comparisons. That said, I do love the things and have never had a problem - I always listen for the audible ping/click that indicates that they have engaged properly. Even if it passes the standing still push/pull test, if I don't hear what I'm listening for, I back out of it and get the snow out from under my heel or off of my plates. The pull handle for the cable can have some influence on your next pair of pants also. Just what came to mind when I saw your thread. (I have Cateks & Head Stratos Pro)

I ride Whitetail now and again (Liberty is closest to me in Westminster, however, I haven't been there in years.) I'll probably be there Monday (29th) and would like to ride with you if at all possible. I offer no criticisms though (constructive of otherwise). Not my forte' - I ride purely on feel and have had no coaching. Like in golf, I tend to watch others that I appreciate and emulate the bio-mechanics on some intuitive level or another. I'm given to "overthinking" if if I start to itemize. i.e. "do this with that leg and keep your head like so, etc." I learned this about myself after so many pitching coaches when I played baseball. Wish I were more coachable.

never been there myself but Eldora was highly recommended to me by bol contributor BOLA IDUNNI of Allboardsports in Boulder - he indicated on a couple of occasions that it's a good carving hill. Call him, he's receptive and knowledgable.