D.T.

I have a pair of Garmont SKi-Mountaineering boots from ~six years ago. The issue I had was after a few turns the toe bail/clip would rotate and come off during heel side turns. Booting out during a turn is no fun. I set-up the binding such that it was fairly snug to close the clip onto the boot. I always assumed that the Vibram sole was compressing too much and allowing the clip to rotate. Has anoyone else had this problem?? If so, how did you remedy the problem? I would really like to use this as a backcountry boot since they are compatible with my crampons, snowshoes and potentially the TD1's.

The cat picks up near the Mountian Chief lift in Copper Bowl.

I have not found anywhere locally to rent Tankers or 4807s. Local shops in Denver and the mountains will have all of the standard brands. The Arbor Element is likely one of those. I highly doubt you would be able to find Arbor A-Frames though(they are hard to find for retail). Before your trip try contacting Bomber or Donek directly to see what demos they might have available. Donek is located near Denver International Airport, so it might be possible to pick a demo up from them if you are flying. You might also try posting here and seeing if a local would let you borrow one of those boards.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=21250&item=7138625114&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

Just my $0.02, but you should also consider a Rad-Air Tanker. I had mine in 12" of fresh stuff at Wolf Creek and the board was everything I could have hoped for plus more! Little speed was required to make the board planed out (182cm and I was set forward on the board). The board flat out rails! The Tanker also does well on the groomers.

On occasion I will take my alpine gear to WP. Drop me an e-mail sometime and we can try to hook up. Dustin

Thanks for the input. I own Priors and have been wondering the same thing about Doneks and Coilers.

I have been wanting to try riding with tunes. I have gotten into the habit of glancing uphill each time I cut across the run (after every turn). I have learned that there are too many idiots out there not to. Everyone’s senses work differently. I find that I do not hear much when I ride, but my vision and sense of feel (through the board) are very acute. I think that music may help me relax and broaden my focus.

No, you do not want it! (because I do) :D

Thanks for the input everyone. Dragon fly jones, thanks for the loaner offer. I may have to take you up on it!!!

I assume the board has sold. If not, please contact me. Dustin

Has anyone ridden a Liberation Sports (formerly BS Boards) board? I have heard the name but never seen one. How is the quality/construction? How do they ride? Any input is appreciated!

Interested if the board is still available. e-mail sent :)

e-mail sent

I'm not trying to hop on the bandwagon here, but I have to agree with everyone else. DO NOT get rid of that board. If you do, you will regret it eventually. Technique is everything and two days on plates, let alone that board, are not nearly enough to learn the technique necessary to layout carves.

Jim, thanks for the offer. I am the proud owner of a new 182cm Tanker. This is an awesome board. I have yet to have it in decent powder, but this coming weekend I will be spending a couple days at Durango Mtn. and Wolf Creek. I looked at the Fish, but... I prefer not to give my $$$ to the Burton Empire. Plenty of other smaller companies out there that can use my support.

Heck yea!!!! A friend and I were talking about this subject last week. A video like this would be a wonderful tool.

svr, You are not kidding about the Tanker 182 being an awesome board. Dave at Hardbooter.com was willing to send me a demo. After a day riding it, I now own one. :D

Their website lists the following dimensions for the wide boards: 167W: 320, 271, 316 177W: 320, 267, 258 187W: 320, 258, 316

At 215 lbs., I feel that I could overpower the Tanker using soft bindings; hence, hard plates would be even worse. The Tanker will only be used when its steep, deep or I am in the trees. I have yet to develop the style to be able to ride hardplates in steep and tight tree conditions. I was testing the Tanker on the double diamonds in the back bowls at Copper Mountain (read: no groomed trails in sight). ;) I have been looking at the Flow C-FR and C-XFR, just do not like the retail price; this takes the Flow Team binding out of the question. My thoughts are if I am going to spend that much $$$, I might as well buy the Freeride Pros. RJ-PS, On hardbooter.com you have to click the "Powder Days" link on the home page to get to the Rad-Air's. Dave has 177W, 182 and 187W Tankers for $349.99 with free shipping. Here is the link.

I have now been initiated to the world of the Tanker thanks to Dave @ hardbooter.com, who was willing to send me a 182cm demo. This is a great ride for the days when I do not want to be on a skinny board. I would prefer a STIFF soft binding. My questions are: 1) What soft bindings have any of you tanker owners had good luck with? 2) What are opinions of the Catek Freerides? Dustin

That is a pretty board! Please post as to how it rides once you get a chance. I am intersted in one of Bruce's creations. I currently have a 169 4WD and am intersted in how the AM172 compares to your 4WD. Thanks, Dustin

left message and sent e-mail :D

Any of the trees off of the Challenger lift on Mary Jane. You can drop over the front side or off of the back. The are many areas in the trees where the "bumps" are more berms that you can rail (i.e. BX style) as cruise through the trees. The trail maps for all three maountains are located here. If you are intersted, there is always Vasquez Cirque. It is steep with powder, some chop and lots of trees. Just be prepared fopr the worst weather conditions. Late January can be brutally cold!

Vasquez Ridge has some decent runs if they have been groomed recently. The only issue is you have to hop several lifts, zig-zagging the mountain to get there. If the conditions suck, I can take awhile to work you way back to WP. There is also a long run-out to the lift that you must take into account. The benefit is there is hardly anyone over there. You might consider bringing an all-mountain board and spending your time at Mary Jane. As WPCARVER said, great bumps and trees to be had at MJ.