hangten247

Bob, did you get my email on the 11th?

Dan, there is one on eBay right now (not mine), it is still within your target price range at its current bid. as of this posting time. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7119942174

I'm jealous of YOU Todd. If you started at 9, and I started at age 21, by the time you are what my age is now (37), you will have proportionaltely 12 more years of riding than me. I've been riding for 16 years, but you have been riding for 10. That's more than 1/2 of your young life. Sure, I've got bragging rights for the 80's (LATE 80's), and others were riding much sooner than me in the early 80's, but its taken IMO until the late 90's to get carving to where it is now from an equipment and technology standpoint. It's taken a long time for Snowboarding to gain respect. I had to decide where I was riding based on where they would allow me, now 99.9% allow snowboards. I remember in '81 at my home hill, the first time I saw a Burton Snowboard, I knew I wanted to do it, but it wasn't allowed at my home hill, and when I approaced my parents, I got the brush off, believing it was a dangerous fad. I think snowboarding has kept the "Wintersports" industry alive, and has come full circle to where skiiers are carving, or in some cases jibbin' the pipe and terrain parks. As much fun as it was back then, it was still a PITA from an equipment standpoint. Especially for me with size 13 feet. I had to MAKE my own boots the first time I wanted to snowboard, because nobody had my size. Also, I'm 6'3'' and (back then) about 200lbs. I couldn't just walk in a store back then and buy a deck, because it was all targeted at people of more an average stature. Although I never had a real huge desire to huck big air or ride a terrain park or pipe, I practically got into carving by accident, because I had to use my skiboots, and had to use steep angles to prevent too much toe drag, and I had to use a longer board for stability. Allthough I have seen the sport progress tremendously from its infancy, you have the benefit of jumping on gear the first time and likely being dialed in with something right the first time, and being able to go to most any North American resort and not get turned away at the ticket counter.

go to this thread titled: FS-Rossi World Cup 184 and Rae 166 The 184 is actually a 190 (clarified down the thread somewhere), seems to be in decent shape, would make a nice rocketship. I want to buy it myself but I need to unload some gear first. Probably as close to a new deck as you will get for the money.

email sent!

Here's a great resource for you, make sure to check out "How to Buy an Alpine Snowboard" http://www.bomberonline.com/articles/welcome_center.cfm

Ahhh! another eBay bid nibbler. With that explanation he gave, I'd believe him too. It's amazing how many people don't understand the proxy bidding system as well as reserve auctions.

1989- Went to Waterville Valley for a few days of skiing during Spring Break, with the plan of taking a snowboarding lesson one ot the days. I had size 13 feet, so they had no rental softies. Must have been an omen of things to come. So, with my trusty Nordica 981 skiboots, I clipped in to a pair of bindings on a black K2 Gyrator. I hopped on the lift and off I went, aiting for my lesson time I figured I'd try my best by myself I kept looking at other boarders to see what I could pick up, and trying to heed the snippets of advice on riding that the rental guy had spewed out. It must have been too late in the season, and the instructors must have bailed, because my 900 oclock lesson became a 10 oclock, then an 11oclock, and the lesson finally happened at 12 oclock. Not aware yet of the 'euro geek' phrase that others had used to describe hardbooters, I noticed the apporach of the instuctor. I noticed he had hardboots, plates, adnan alpine board. I think it was a white Mistral. I remember being excited because I assumend If he had carving gear, I'd have a better chance of learning correctly. I think my 15 years of ski racing helped out too in terms of being able to take instruction constructively, and applying the mechanics of ski carving to riding a snowboard. OK, back to 'eurogeek'. As my instructor came to a stop and introduced himself, I almost peed myself, but somehow I managed to contain my laughter, because when he opend up his mouth, this is what came out, no word of it a lie: [Arnold Schwartzenegger voice] "Hello, my name is Christoph, I am from Austria, und I vill be your Schnowboard inztructor for today."[/Arnold Schwartzenegger voice]. IT was a semi private with a little kid who wanted to shred. The instructor was patient with the kid, I picked up a few pointers, and the instructor was excited because I had already learned to link skidded turns all by myself by observing and imitating others before my lesson. The lesson basically became follow the leader at that point, and when it was over, he rode with me a while longer and congratulated me by saying I already hasd the basics down and was well on my way. After college graduation, I continued to work in the wintersports industry, and in the fall of 89, I bought a Burton board and learned how to carve turns. I have only skiid a handful of days since then, mostly to keep up on the new gear arriving at the shop so I coul'd give the customers an honest opinion of the skiis, but that's it. Winter of 89 -'90 consisted of about 20-25 days of driving from Cape Cod to either Stratton or Waterville Valley, learning how to carve while following my buddy on his Burton Safari Comp II.

Saw these on eBay (not mine). http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7119689602 I seem to recall a thread going around a week or two about someone scoring a source for a bunch of these, but not all sizes were available. Figured this would help someone out here.

E- Thanks for the update. Sounds like a nice deck, like it rides alot like what I have but mine of course being a SL radius. I didn't know Rossi made one that long. Speaking of long, I overlooked one thing... because of its extreme length the shipping $$ may be cost prohibitive. I just ran it by the GF. *sigh* I need to unload some other gear 1st or I'm dead. If I can do that, and its still around, I'll get back to you.

OK! Here is the other stuff I have listed on eBay right now that I made reference to on the edited original post. Burton Factory Prime 167: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7119876337 Also, a pair of used Raichle 224 size 31.0 I will part with, not listed on eBay. Make me an offer

did you find any boots yet? I will part with these:Raichle 224 size 31.0

I have a pair of Raichle 224's in a 31.0 that I willl part with if interested. I'm 6'3" 250lbs. Maybe too soft for an agressive rider?

I've got a Burton Factory Prime in a 167 and a pair of Burton Race Plates on eBay right now. I also have a pair of high end tecnica skiboots for sale there too, I used to use them as hardboots for SnowBoarding, they have only been used 6x and would fit you. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7119876337 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7119868266 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7119855733 I also have a pair of used Raichle 224 hardboots in a 31.0, they are a softer model which may bode well for you as a beginner, but they may be a bit big for you. They are not on eBay. Here's a photo:

heyadams, I agree with Kent, DON'T relist it yet, contact the next highest bidder (been_interested), using the "2nd chance'' option. If he/she buys, It should save you the listing fees the 2nd time around because you won't have to relist. (Filing a NPB [non paying bidder report] should eventually reverse any listing fees though anyways.) Looking quickly at the bid history, the 3rd highest bidder (jawfxr) proxy was MUCH lower than the 2nd's bidder's proxy (been_interested), so attracting such a high bid the next time might not be as easy. I'd contact bidder # 2 (been_interested), if they are still interested IMHO, as a bird in hand is worth two in the bush. If it weren't for "CanadianMan's" attempt to buy, the bidding would have stalled at $60.00. Also, you can place ''follow-up" feedback explaing that the guy stiffed you. If the guy keeps it up with enough NPB's filed against him, he'll get bounced from eBay alltogether and get NARU'd ("No longer A Reegistered User). The blocked bidder list is a great tool also. You can block bidders with feedback of less than 0, bidders from other countries/regions, and bidders who have had NPB's filed against them.

Mr. E, I've got the Rossi's little brother, the X VAS race board in Red White and Blue 168CM, a slalom board. How would you describe the handling characteristics (or lack thereof) & ride characteristics of the big Rossi? Does it handle like a truck, or is it fairly easy to control, or do you need to be going "Ludicrous Speed" to make it handle? More like a Supe G than a GS board? For wide open spaces only? How tall and heavy are you? I'm 245 6'3". Thank you!

Now you know why Warren Milller never runs out of bloopers for his movies!

Great poll and thread! Nice to see all the different perspectives of why and why not, and all the potential situations for use, especially the funny fig newton sphincter response! I used to have releasable bindings. I called them "Burton Step-in Plate Bindings" Definitely NOT fun!!! Having pre-released from front and also from rear, I can't imagine how one would be able to control themselves in a fall situation with one foot only. I'd be worried about wrecking one or both legs, shoulders, hips, arms, head, you get the idea...EVERYWHERE. not to mention what happens to the board, you could get whacked by it with either one foot still in, or none in. I feeel safer falling with both feet in, knowing that lilkely how and where I ride my feet & legs will be ok, just have to protect head, face, and uper body. (YES, I wear a helmet). Trees, logs, and tree wells are th only thing tht scares me, but not every fall is the same every time either. If I had intecs, I'd feel safer in a tree well situation, at least I could potentially get out and right myself, even if I fell in deeper, 'cause if I could right myself, the blood wouldn't be rushing to my head.

I gotta pretty big round melon too. I second what bobdea says, for brand AND fit tips. Be careful not to pack it out too much, you don't want to ruin the foam its made of, which is very similar to bike helmets. The BOERI model that comes to mind is the MYTO or MYRO PRO. I don't think they call it that anymore as they have updated the style, but maybe you could get a closeout deal somewhere? The style that took its place fits me well too, I just tried it on Thursday. I'll get back to you on that model name. My current helmet is a Leedom, but the ones I saw last season are a bit different then when I bought one. I'm not sure Leedom is around anymore?

atamme, I could be your twin! I'm also 6'3", and about 245, I used to ride a Supermodel 173 with plates as I rode out west, but I switched back to a race board now that I ride back east. I have no problems carving on my 167CM Rossi Race X VAS board. I picked it up in excellent condition on eBay last year, I wouldn't mind another as a back up if I am accross one I like it so much. I wouldn't considder my board a noodle by any means, as being a race board plus the given length gives it enough turn and snap to avoid the SPORES. So, I wouldn't worry about a board in the same size range being called a noodle, for me this one holds up to me just fine, I think you just need to make sure the board you buy in that range is stiff SL race board to avoid the noodle-ness.

I think the message loosly translated means this: "If the fire is about to go out, grab a SPORE from the lift line and throw him on the fire. You'll get warmer and the line will move faster."

Well, working in the Ski/Snowboard industry off and on (mostly on) since the age of 14 (23 years now) has me a little jaded, I try to avoid the crowds as well as lift tickets I have to pay for (or at least fulll price tickets), which is what I based my 2 cents on. Certainly from Groton you likely have about a 3.5 to 4 hr drive to 'threedom' land, probably about the same drive I have from Cape Cod. I understand the 'soft spot' for those areas, not every mountain allowed snowboarding back then, so WV was one of my favorites at the time, first experience on a snowboard was at WV in 88, and I learned to carve during day trips to either WV or Stratton (ugh, a L-O-N-G day, esp in a Suzuki Samuri) back in 89. but if in '93 land', IMO, if I spent another 1/2 hr in the car, I could avoid most crowds, as it seemed the avg Bostonian S.P.O.R.E. didn't wanna drive more than 2 hrs for snow slidin'. Nowa days I take 1/2 as many trips but ride 2 days back to back. I gotta friend in Williston VT, Hey, his house is free to stay at (I buy the beer, his wife cooks breakfast, pretty good trade off) so I visit him once or twice a month and carve it up at (laugh if you want) Bolton Valley. Pretty cheap tix, and they got night riding too. Their season pass is pretty cheap, even for out of state flatlanders. If we feel adventurous, we head to Jay. As a VT resident, even he doesn't bother with Stowe at their prices, but I'd like to get there at least once. Another bud of mine makes weekday trips to Burke, and says its the best bang for the buck. My memory of Loon consists of waiting a 1/2 hr for a Gondy ride while trying to figure out what the message said over the fireplace. (If the Gr8 B MT, .........)

I think its been 20 years since I've been to Loon also, and I don't plan on going back. I think you'd be happier carving somwhere else. I don't know if you are lucky enough to be able to ride midweek, cause if you have no choice but to be a weekend warrior, those 'SKI 93' mountains are ALWAYS packed on the weekends. If you can stand an extra hr's drive, I'd say head to the Northeast Kingdom instead, (Burke Jay, etc), or some of the other Northern VT and NH mountains which are less travelled with smaller lines and better conditions, not to mention more room to carve without banging into anyone else, and posibly cheaper lift tickets too. I'd say Maine too, but Sunday River is usually packed. The Loaf would not be a wise daytrip, but would be nice if you had 2 days to go, not to mention waiting til later in the season when it is not so bitter cold up there. The less advertised the place is, the better the chance I'd want to ride there.

wuzupwityou, Here's the easiest solution I can find on short notice. The cant plate I had up for auction just sold for 35 bucks (but it wouldn't work for you anyways). you bid 76 on my binding. shipping is 10 on the bindings. That would be a 76+35+10 = $121, IF you won at the current bid which is 76, and IF you won the cant at 35 AND IF the cant would work to begin with. So....... Buy these NEW instead, they come with 4H discs and a 4H cant, total is $135 + $11 shipping, = $146 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=21248&item=7117731688&rd=1 For the extra cost of what a decent case of beer would cost, you will have EXACTLY what you need, and its brand new. This guy ALWAYS has a pair for sale, sometimes he lists them without a buy-it-now for 124.99, that would save another 10 bucks for you! OH, and if you do decide to take my advice, PLEASE remember to retract your bid with my bindings ASAP! Thanks! -Chris

As philfell stated, they are rental/demo bindings. When I worked at a shop, I had purchased a pair of 1st generation step in plates on shop form. They s*cked. I'd put enough torque on them to walk right out of the bindings. I b*tched, so the rep hooked me up with these rentals instead. As phillfell described, it means one screw to adjust the binding length to the sole. They were pretty indesrtuctable, and heavy, but I didn't care about the weight because they were so tough. Lotsa metal in these babys!I never had a problem with them, plus it allowed me to adjust boots quickly and convert all my dual planker friends! The pair I had mounted to the deck in the traditional manner with the discs, not the switchable from board to board way that philfell described. Maybe these newer ones work that way instead. A decent binding for the money I think. As far as the glut you have seeen on eByay the last week, I think you will find that seller 'u12' is the one offering them all for sale, just like he offers the new race plates. I have not seen any yet from anyone else. He must list 4 or 6 pair a week. Wish I had bought them all at closeout from Jake!