philipatkinson86

Ok, again thanks for all the replies, maybe I should rephrase my requirements as it seems to be a bit confusing. From what I read before posting this, there are several different variants of alpine boards you can buy, some where you don't need to wear hard boots, not built for racing etc. My initial thought was I should get a mixed one (all mountain I think they are called?) so that I could still do everything I do on a normal board, but a bit faster and more focused to carving (that's the way I've found I like to ride on standard boards). From reading various posts, the idea of wearing hard boots and the enjoyable style of carving style of carving seems to be on the more "pure" alpine boards (free carve or race I think?). I decided it's probably fine to buy something more focused on this and then if I do want a break from it, I can just hire a standard board separately if I want to follow the rest of my mates round the mountain. So what I'm asking for is could anybody recommend any specific models that are out there that would suit me to start hard booting and enjoying carving without buying some advanced rocket that I am going to kill myself on! The idea of painting the board, I didn't realise was going to be such a big deal, but that's more what I meant by 'custom'. The guy that I know started painting skateboards and I just thought this would be a really good project for him that would be really different. Since I'm going to be spending a fair bit of money on this, I thought I might as well get something that I really like the look of (the guy also did some of my tattoos, so it's kind of a personal touch also). If it is going to be a) really difficult to organise or b) not going to last long on the board then maybe it's not such a good idea after all, but I just thought it would be worth finding out if it's possible and the way to do it properly so it stays on! Hope that makes things a bit clearer, apologies if have got some of the terms wrong, just bear with me! Cheers, Phil

I don't know anything about alpine boards, hence why I am asking these questions to people who know what they are actually talking about. If you're not looking to help, why reply?

thanks for the info guys, that makes sense! Could anyone recommend any 'custom makers' or or resorts where i could try / rent Alpine gear in europe? Thanks, Phil

Hi, I'm looking to buy my first board and really want to try alpine out. I would really like to go and speak to someone in person about this as I'd rather not buy the wrong thing. I also want to get an artist I know to paint it, so not too fussed about design, only the spec. Could anyone recommend anywhere in London / UK to speak to someone / buy? Thanks in advance! Phil